FIA Launches Major Probe Into McLaren’s Alleged Illegal Car as Red Bull Closes In for 2025 F1 Title Fight
The Formula 1 world is on edge as the FIA has launched a significant investigation into McLaren following the emergence of new evidence suggesting their MCL39 car may have breached regulations, particularly with an innovative tyre-cooling system. This development comes ahead of the highly anticipated Barcelona Grand Prix on June 1, 2025, where a new technical directive on front-wing flexibility will take effect, potentially shaking up the season’s competitive order. With Red Bull capitalizing on recent upgrades and Max Verstappen narrowing the drivers’ championship gap to 22 points behind Oscar Piastri, the sport’s governing body’s move could redefine the title race.
The controversy erupted after Red Bull’s stunning performance at the Imola Grand Prix on May 18, where Verstappen outpaced McLaren’s Piastri and Lando Norris, exposing a sudden drop in the Woking-based team’s race pace. RacingNews365 reports that the FIA’s scrutiny focuses on McLaren’s alleged use of phase-changing materials (PCMs) in their brake drums—a mesh of small tubes with metal alloys melting between 120 and 200°C to control tyre temperatures and enhance performance. This system, believed to have given McLaren a tyre-management edge earlier in 2025, was reportedly outlawed by a last-minute technical directive before Imola, prompting speculation that Red Bull’s tireless efforts to expose this advantage paid off. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed the RB21’s improved stability and tyre management, noting, “The first stint was really encouraging because Verstappen was managing more than the guys behind.”
McLaren, however, remains defiant. Team boss Andrea Stella dismissed the allegations, suggesting rival teams like Red Bull and Mercedes are distracted by “nonchalant matters” rather than improving their own cars. Stella argued, “If they were flexi wings or front-wing deflection like everyone else, it has nothing to do with why McLaren is competitive.” He even welcomed the scrutiny, stating, “It’s good news when our rivals focus on the wrong things,” hinting that McLaren’s edge stems from braking and tyre management, not aerodynamics alone. Despite this, Norris admitted post-Imola, “Our biggest strength two weekends ago turned into not being good enough,” highlighting a worrying loss of pace that Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur believes will reset the season in Barcelona.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. The Barcelona directive, aimed at curbing front-wing flexibility—a potential McLaren advantage in low-speed corners—could level the playing field. Horner is optimistic, saying, “It’s a significant change… it will affect all cars, just to what quantum?” Red Bull’s upgrades since Imola have already closed the gap, with Verstappen proving he can win without the fastest car, a trait that secured him the 2024 drivers’ title despite Red Bull finishing third in the constructors’ standings. McLaren’s dual-driver challenge from Piastri and Norris, both hungry for their first titles, adds pressure, but their sudden vulnerability raises doubts about defending their early-season dominance.
As the FIA’s investigation unfolds, McLaren has until Barcelona to address any compliance issues, though Stella insists no fixes are needed. Fans on X are divided, with some calling it a “Red Bull conspiracy” to undermine McLaren, while others predict a “massive drop” for the team. With Monaco’s tight streets behind them and Barcelona’s diverse layout ahead, the June 1 race will test whether Red Bull’s resurgence—fueled by strategy and scrutiny—can overtake McLaren’s faltering reign. Will Verstappen reclaim his championship crown, or can Piastri and Norris rebound? The F1 season’s next chapter promises high stakes and even higher drama.
