LATEST F1 NEWS AFTER MONACO: McLaren Accused of Using an Illegal “Supercompound” Engine – FIA Orders MCL39 to be Sealed
In a bombshell development following the thrilling Monaco Grand Prix, McLaren has reportedly been accused by rival teams of utilizing an illegal “supercompound” engine, sparking a major technical controversy in Formula 1. In response to these serious allegations, the FIA has swiftly intervened, ordering McLaren’s MCL39 chassis to be sealed and impounded for a thorough investigation, a move that has sent shockwaves through the paddock.
The accusations center around a highly speculative, yet persistent, rumor of a novel “supercompound” engine or power unit component within the MCL39. While the term itself isn’t officially recognized within F1 regulations, it implies a revolutionary, and potentially illicit, technological breakthrough that could provide an unfair power or efficiency advantage beyond what is currently permitted. This follows McLaren’s recent impressive performances, particularly their unexpected resurgence at Monaco.
The FIA’s decision to “seal” the MCL39, effectively impounding the car for a detailed technical inspection, underscores the gravity of the allegations. This is an extreme measure reserved for cases where serious doubts about a car’s legality arise, allowing the governing body to scrutinize every aspect of the power unit and related systems without interference. The move suggests that rival teams have presented compelling, albeit unconfirmed, evidence to the FIA to warrant such a drastic step.
The implications of this potential “supercompound” engine controversy are immense for McLaren and the entire 2025 F1 season. If the allegations are proven true, it could lead to severe penalties, including disqualification from recent races, substantial fines, and a significant blow to the team’s reputation. The F1 world now awaits the outcome of the FIA’s investigation with bated breath, as this potential scandal threatens to overshadow the on-track action and reignite debates about technical compliance and competitive fairness.
