McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes rival Formula 1 teams are losing focus by questioning the legality of their leading car. His comments come after the FIA officially cleared the team`s car of illegally using liquid to cool its tyres ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
McLaren`s exceptionally strong start to 2025, which includes winning five out of the first six races, appears to have generated doubts among some competitor teams. They reportedly suspect the MCL39 employs methods to keep its tires within their optimal operating temperature range during races, thus improving tyre wear.
McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown even playfully hinted at the rivals` suspicions by bringing a bottle labelled “tire water” to the pit wall in Miami.
Before the Imola race weekend, the FIA announced that championship leader Oscar Piastri`s car had been randomly selected for “extensive physical inspections.” These checks included examining the wheel bodywork and looking for any forbidden liquid cooling of the brakes.
Crucially, all components that were inspected were confirmed to be fully compliant with the technical regulations.
“It`s somewhat unfortunate because of the extra workload it creates for the FIA, but ultimately this is an issue for the FIA to manage,” Stella stated.
“Perhaps the FIA should establish a higher standard or threshold for allegations to be officially considered, as this generates significant work for them but ultimately leads nowhere,” he suggested.
However, Stella added, “I welcome the fact that other teams are defocused.”
Front Wing Flexing Controversy Nearing Resolution
Another area of contention involving McLaren and raised by rival teams over the past year concerns flexible wings.
Following the debate last season, sometimes referred to as the `mini-DRS` issue, regarding the extent of bodywork flexing observed on some teams` rear wings at high speeds, the FIA announced new load tests for wings to be introduced for the 2025 season. It is important to note that flexible bodywork is prohibited in F1 regulations.
New limits for rear wing deflection were put in place starting with the season`s opening race in Melbourne and were tightened further from the second round in China. The upcoming tests in Barcelona, however, will specifically target front wing flexibility.
Footage from various races this year has shown wings on several cars appearing to move or deflect on the straights. This movement potentially provides an advantage in straight-line speed before the wings return to a rigid state for corners, allowing the car to still benefit from maximum downforce.
McLaren management has previously indicated that these new tests scheduled for Barcelona will not pose any issues for their car. Stella reiterated that even if there were some front wing deflection, “it has nothing to do with the reason why McLaren is very competitive.”
“For McLaren as a team, and personally as the team principal, when I observe this level of attention from our competitors, I see it as positive news, and I hope we attract even more in the future,” he remarked.
“This situation tells me that our rivals are focusing outwardly, on others, rather than concentrating on the fundamental aspects of their own operations. This is precisely what we strive to do at McLaren – we focus internally on ourselves and the engineering fundamentals, as that is where we generate the performance needed to be highly competitive.”
Stella concluded, “If that is the approach they choose to take, for us, it continues to be beneficial.”
Marcus Prine