On Tuesday the 16th, Autosport reported that McLaren "may" use the 1998 car in Melbourne due lack of pace from the MP4-14. Motoring News said that McLaren had confirmed on Monday that they would make a decision "right at the last minute" with regards to Melbourne and which car. The Motoring News report was not based so-much on pace, or lack thereof, but on speculation regarding the team seeking FIA approval on "secret" modifications made to the MP4-14 in time for the Australian GP. The newspaper stated if the FIA does not hand down a decision in time for Melbourne, McLaren may use the MP4-13 for the first race.

Regardless of the source, something seems to be afoot. Is McLaren launching their first "mind tactic" to Ferrari in 1999? McLaren seem coy about the situation, neither confirming nor denying. Regarding the use of the MP4-13 in Melbourne, Adrian Newey was quoted as saying, "is an option we have always borne in the back of our minds." Hakkinen may have been more honest when he stated, "Personally I would be very surprised if that happened." Norbert Haug may be the spoiler in the situation with his statement, "no way."