McLaren cleared by FIA after tyre temperature compliance investigation
FIA Dismisses McLaren Tyre Compliance Concerns Following Miami Grand Prix
IMOLA — The FIA has confirmed that McLaren’s Formula 1 car complies with the sport’s technical regulations, dismissing suspicions regarding the team's remarkable ability to manage tyre temperatures under challenging conditions.
McLaren’s dominance has been the standout storyline of the season so far, with the Woking-based outfit claiming victory in five of the opening six races. Its edge has been particularly evident in high-temperature races, where thermal tyre degradation has significantly influenced overall performance.
Speculation Around McLaren’s Tyre Cooling
Although no formal protests were lodged by rival teams, speculation had emerged regarding whether McLaren had implemented an innovative—albeit potentially illegal—solution to prevent the rear tyres from overheating under race conditions. A recurring theory, carried over from last season, suggested McLaren might be cooling its brake assemblies and tyres using water, in violation of Article 11.5 of Formula 1's technical regulations.
To address the rumors, the FIA performed an extensive post-race inspection of Oscar Piastri’s race-winning McLaren following the Miami Grand Prix. The governing body found no evidence of wrongdoing.
“After the race in Miami, car number 81 was randomly chosen among the top ten cars for more extensive physical inspections,” read the FIA's statement, released on Thursday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. “Subject to these physical inspections were the wheel bodywork assemblies. The following checks were carried out on all corners:
- The compliance of all components with TR Article 3.13 [relating to wheel bodywork].
- Physical checks for compliance with TR Article 11.5 on all four corners.
All inspected components were found to be in conformance with the 2025 Formula 1 Technical Regulations.”
Christian Horner Responds to McLaren Dominance
While McLaren looks untouchable at present, their Miami one-two finish hasn’t gone unnoticed by the competition. Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, acknowledged McLaren’s impressive form while noting that questions are inevitable when a team displays such dominance.
“I’m not suggesting that there’s anything illegal on the car,” Horner commented after the Miami Grand Prix. “Well done to McLaren, they were in a league of their own. Of course, in Formula 1, there are always going to be questions that are raised.
[McLaren] did exactly the same about the front suspension on our car last year. So it’s inevitable when you’re running at the front, as we have for the last few years, you always come under more scrutiny.
McLaren have got the car to beat at the moment, that’s quite clear. They’re going to be tough to beat over the next few races.”
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Awaits
With the FIA ruling firmly backing McLaren's compliance, attention now shifts to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where teams will look to challenge the runaway leaders. As one rival team plots to close the gap, another chapter of Formula 1's technical and on-track battles is set to unfold.
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