The Formula 1 world is in turmoil after an unexpected announcement of the FIA: the test result of Oscar Piastrri’s McLaren MCL39 during the Grand Prix of Belgium was declared invalid. This decision, which was announced just after the race at Spa-Francorchamps, led to an emergency press conference where journalists, analysts and team representatives were present in large numbers. The statement of the FIA sheds new light on the ongoing controversy around McLaren’s dominant performance in 2025 and feeds speculation about possible rule violations. What exactly happened, and what does this mean for the championship?
The Grand Prix of Belgium, held on July 25, 2025, was a crucial race in a season in which McLaren sets the tone. Oscar Piastri, the leader in the driver’s championship with 234 points, seemed on the way to a new victory over the iconic circuit of Spa-Francorchamps. Together with teammate Lando Norris, who won the race, McLaren dominated the weekend, making their lead in the constructors championship grew to 460 points – ahead of Ferrari (222 points) and Mercedes (210 points). However, after the race, the FIA Piastri’s MCL39 subjected an extensive technical check, aimed at the wheel carrosseries and tire cooling systems, an area that has been under suspicion for some time.
According to the official FIA statement, issued after the race, a specific part of Piastri’s car did not meet the technical regulations. Although details were initially brief, sources were close to the investigation that has the irregularity to do with an innovative cooling system in the brakes, which possibly manipulated the tire temperature in a way that is not allowed. This follows earlier suspicions, such as during the Grand Prix of Miami, where Red Bull Racing already questioned McLaren’s Tire Management. At the time, the FIA found no violations, but the repeated checks indicate growing suspicion among competitors, in particular Red Bull and Ferrari, who struggle to match McLaren’s speed.
The emergency press conference, held in the press room of Spa-Francorchamps, was loaded with tension. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella fiercely defended his team: “We have been completely transparent with the FIA and have always operated on within the lines. This decision is surprising, and we will appeal.” Stella pointed out the complexity of the technical regulations and emphasized that McLaren’s innovations, such as improvements to the front -wheel suspension, fall within the permitted limits. Oscar Piastri himself kept on the plain: “I focus on driving. My car felt legal, and I trust my team.” Yet the frustration was noticeable, especially since the invalidation may have consequences for his racing result and championship points.
The reactions of competitors were mixed. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, present via a video connection, called the decision “a step towards honesty”, but insisted on consistent checks. “If McLaren does something that is not allowed, we should know. But why only now?” He asked, referring to the earlier acquittal in Miami. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, who, together with George Russell previously accused McLaren of exceeding the cost limit, kept himself more diplomatic: “It is up to the FIA to create clarity.” In the meantime, journalists ofGPFansinRacingNews365That this case can further stir up the internal rivalry within McLaren, between Piaastri and Norris, especially after Piastrri’s time penalty in Silverstone.
The invalidation does not yet mean a definitive punishment. The FIA has announced that a thorough investigation will follow, planned for the Grand Prix of Hungary with a hearing. Possible sanctions vary from points deduction to disqualification, which the title fight – in which Piaastri only before Norris can change. For Red Bull and Max Verstappen, who stand on 165 points and struggle with the RB21, this offers a spark of hope in a further difficult season. The Formula 1 community is now eagerly looking forward to the outcome of the investigation, while McLaren’s Dominance, who already considered many to be inviolable, suddenly stands in separate screws.
