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FIA Issues Technical Directives After Imola GP as McLaren Denies Making Adjustments
Following the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, the FIA has confirmed it issued new technical directives to Formula 1 teams concerning tyre treatment and wheel bodywork regulations. The move has sparked debate within the paddock, especially given McLaren’s recent drop-off in tyre performance compared to earlier rounds.
The technical directives—distributed privately to teams in the days leading up to the race—are believed to address emerging loopholes related to brake drum designs and tyre heating techniques, areas where McLaren has excelled in recent races. However, McLaren insists it made no adjustments to its MCL39 as a result of the FIA’s latest guidelines.
Max Verstappen capitalized on the shift in dynamics at Imola, ending Oscar Piastri’s three-race winning streak and showcasing superior tyre degradation management—an area previously dominated by McLaren. The Red Bull star’s victory has narrowed the championship gap to just 22 points behind Piastri, with Lando Norris only nine points ahead.
The timing of the directives and McLaren’s comparatively subdued performance have led to speculation that the papaya squad may have been indirectly affected, despite its denial. A McLaren spokesperson reiterated post-race that the team’s car setup and performance at Imola were not influenced by any regulatory changes.
Technical directives, which are not typically shared publicly, are used by the FIA to clarify grey areas in the rulebook and ensure compliance with the intent of regulations. This latest wave of guidelines is part of ongoing efforts to maintain a level playing field as teams push technical boundaries.
With Red Bull regaining momentum and the title race tightening, all eyes will be on how teams respond in upcoming rounds—and whether these unseen but impactful FIA decisions will continue to shift the competitive balance.
