The Grand Prix of Miami 2025 was not only a spectacle on the circuit, but also a source of controversy outside the track. Christian Horner, team boss of Red Bull Racing, has asked the FIA to investigate the McLaren MCL39 after suspicions about possible technical irregularities. This call came after a dominant performance by Miami, where Lando Norris won the race and Oscar Piastri finished third, while Max Verstappen struggled and crossed the line fourth. Horner, who has been in suspicion about McLaren’s sudden speed for some time, was stunned by the response of the FIA, who did not take immediate action. This situation has further fueled the rivalry between Red Bull and McLaren and brought the Formula 1 world into rudder.
Horner’s suspicions focus primarily on the cooling systems of the McLaren, in particular the calipers and tire cooling. According to Horner, it is “impossible” that McLaren is so effectively controlled with the tire temperatures with only air, as the rules prescribe. Horner was spotted for the sprint qualification in Miami while inspecting Piaastri’s car, in particular the area around the calipers, suggesting that Red Bull has been looking for evidence for some time. “We expressed our doubts at the FIA,” Horner said after the race. “The performance of McLaren is impressive, but some aspects of their car raise questions.” He pointed to the unparalleled grip of the MCL39 in warm conditions, an area where Red Bull is experiencing significant problems with the RB21.
The dominance of McLaren in Miami reinforced horners suspicions. Norris led comfortably, while Piastri drove a strong catch -up race after an early confrontation with Verstappen. The RB21 was struggling with overheated tires and balance problems, which prevented Verstappen from cashing in his pole position. Horner suggested that McLaren may have a technical advantage that falls outside the regulations, although he did not mention specific violations. These allegations follow on earlier voltages, such as the controversy around McLarens flexible rear wing in 2024, which was adjusted after FIA intervention. Red Bull, which also submitted complaints at the time, seems determined to expose any potential Maas in the law with their rivals.
The FIA reacted reluctantly to Horners. Instead of starting an immediate investigation, the motorsport association stated that there was “no concrete evidence” to justify a formal inspection. This decision aroused frustration at Red Bull, especially since Horner had hoped for a quick check to create clarity. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella hit back and called the accusations “unfounded” and “an attempt to break our momentum.” He emphasized that the MCL39 fully complies with the regulations and that McLarens is successful to hard work and innovation, not to rule violations. Norris and Piastri supported their boss, with Norris who mockingly noticed: “If they want to look, let them come. We have nothing to hide.”
The situation exposes the intense battle between Red Bull and McLaren, who are going to neck this season in both the driver and constructors’ championship. McLaren leads the constructor classification with a considerable lead, while Norris and Piastri occupy the first two places in the drivers classification. Verstappen, that third state, has difficulty sealing the gap, partly due to the shortcomings of the RB21. Helmut Marko, adviser to Red Bull, supported Horners and suggested that the FIA is “not consistent” in comparison with previous investigations into other teams. He pointed out the need for transparency to guarantee the integrity of the sport.
The situation is urgent for Red Bull. With the Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna approaching, where upgrades for the RB21 are expected, the team hopes to gain ground. But the focus on McLarens Auto has also produced criticism. Some analysts believe that Horner is looking for distraction for Red Bull’s own problems, such as the disappointing performance of Verstappen’s teammate Liam Lawson. In the meantime, McLaren enjoys their lead and seems unaffected by the accusations. The FIA is under pressure to take a position, while fans eagerly look forward to the next phase in this heated rivalry. What started as a race in Miami has become a struggle for credibility, innovation and power in Formula 1.
