# McLaren faces problems at the Canadian GP under the new FIA regulations
Montreal, June 9, 2025 – The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix has been announced for the McLaren Turbolento, which is at the center of a legitimate controversy over new regulatory changes imposed by the FIA. The Scuderia di Woking, a champion in racing, is able to overcome the inability of technical standards, particularly regarding flexibility, which can compromise its performance on the track.
The controversy surrounding all the flexibilities is nothing new in Formula 1. Since 2024, Oscar Piastri’s McLaren has drawn attention to its ability to float at high speeds, creating an effect similar to a “mini-DRS.” This system, a pure superando and FIA static test, has been very effective against rivals, particularly Ferrari and Red Bull, who have nothing to do with the legality debate. The FIA, after analyzing the data from the 2024 Baku GP, promised a thorough study. However, at the Canadian GP, the Federation introduced a technical directive that drastically ridicules the tolerance for rear drives, reducing it from 2 mm to 0.5 mm under a weight of 75 kg, starting from the 2025 Chinese GP. This modification, applied with immediate effect also in Montreal, seems to be directly related to McLaren.
Secondly, close to the paddock, the McLaren can benefit from an aerodynamic advantage thanks to its rear end, which guarantees higher straight-line speed without compromising cornering performance. However, the new restrictions could force the team to compete with the design of the place, with the potential to lose prestige estimates by a fraction of a second, taking second place to Aston Martin. This change comes at a crucial time, with the McLaren in the running for the constructors’ title and Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as protagonists for the drivers’ championship.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella responded to the decision: “We are always in line with the FIA’s rules and super-controls. We will know how to amend the declaration, and we do, but we are fiduciaries in our competition.” However, voices from the field suggest the team is working to control the pace to adapt the MCL39 to the new regulations, with intensive simulator testing to minimize the impact on the car’s bottom line.
Meanwhile, I’m competing for attention. Ferrari, in a strong season, has continued to benefit from this situation, while Red Bull continues to put pressure on the FIA to ensure technical fairness. The Canadian GP, with its long distances and variable conditions, will be a crucial test bench to verify the effect of the new regulations on McLaren.
Tensions are high in Montreal, and the “You are in the shutdown phase!” grid seems to be at risk of losing more than just land in an increasingly combative world.
