Formula 1 was shaken by new technical controversy just before the emblematic Monaco Grand Prix. McLaren, one of the historic teams in the championship, was accused of using an engine with “super composite” components not declared or approved by the FIA. According to sources close to the paddock, the scandal has reached such a magnitude that the International Automobile Federation (FIA) immediately intervened, ordering the complete sealing of the MCL39 car for an in -depth technical inspection.
It all started after the unexpected performance of the MCL39 in the last two races, especially in Imola, where Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both showed an surprisingly high pace on high support specials. Some rival teams, notably Mercedes and Aston Martin, would have issued suspicion after comparing telemetry data and recorded an unusual acceleration at the outlet of slow turns, a characteristic which would indicate an alteration of the power delivered by the engine.
The controversy has intensified when rumors emerged according to which McLaren had introduced an experimental component in the Mercedes supplied engine combustion chamber, developed in collaboration with a third party supplier of composite materials in Switzerland. This component, classified as a “ceramic-carbon hybrid supercomitis”, would be designed to withstand higher temperatures and improve the thermal efficiency of the engine, generating an increase in power during acceleration peaks.
Alerted by these allegations, the FIA acted quickly. During the technical inspection which followed the GP of Emilie-Romagne, the MCL39 #4 (that of Norris) had to be sealed to avoid any modification before its technical analysis in Paris. A source close to the McLaren team has confirmed that the car has already been transported to a sealed container and is under the care of FIA officials. The analysis will relate not only to the integrity of the engine, but also to the legality of any structural modification of the chassis which could have benefited from the thermal behavior of the engine.
McLaren, for his part, denies any violation of the regulation. In a brief press release, the Woking -based team said that “all the developments concerning the MCL39 have been communicated transparent to the FIA, including each technical update carried out since the start of the 2025 season”. However, they have provided no specific details on the alleged “supercomposed”, which intensified media threshing.
In the paddock, the reaction was immediate. Toto Wolff, the boss of Mercedes, was careful but firm: “It is essential that the technical regulations be respected. If it is proven that someone has exceeded their limits, there must be consequences. “For his part, Christian Horner, from Red Bull, was more ironic:” Maybe McLaren discovered the secret of the nuclear engine … “
The moment could not be more tense. Monaco GP is traditionally an essential showcase for sponsors and manufacturers, and all technical litigation at this stage of season has implications beyond sports performance. If the FIA discovers irregularities, McLaren could be disqualified in previous races, sentenced to fines of several million dollars, or even a temporary suspension of the race.
Meanwhile, fans and analysts are divided. Some see in this accusation a pressure maneuver on the part of rivals annoyed by the sudden rise of McLaren in the classification. Others, on the other hand, believe that it could be the largest technical scandal since that of Renault’s mass shock absorbers in 2006.
While the investigation is underway and the MCL39 is under surveillance, the atmosphere in Monaco is more tense than ever. What was to be a weekend of glamor and precision in the streets of the Principality could become the epicenter of a regulatory earthquake that will shake the foundations of the 2025 championship.
