After Max Verstappen’s spectacular victory, McLaren boss Zak Brown unexpectedly filed a complaint with the FIA about the RB21 engine. Christian Horner also responded sharply.
The Formula 1 world was shaken last weekend by a series of events that caused a stir both on and next to the job. Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, achieved an impressive victory during the Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna, with which he again proved why he is one of the most dominant drivers of his generation. His Red Bull RB21 seemed perfectly tailored to the Imola circuit, where he left the competition behind with a combination of speed and precision. However, while the Champagne was still flowing in the Red Bull camp, McLaren-CEO Zak Brown threw an unexpected bomb in the Paddock by submitting an official complaint to the FIA about the RB21 engine.
Brown’s complaint focused specifically on alleged irregularities in the power source of the RB21, which he thinks may not meet the strict technical regulations of the FIA. Although details of the complaint have not been made public, sources suggest that McLaren questions about the way in which Red Bull optimizes the performance of the motor, especially in relation to fuel consumption and power delivery under specific circumstances. This is not the first time that McLaren and Red Bull have been involved in a heated battle. The rivalry between the two teams, and in particular between Brown and Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, has become increasingly intense in recent years, partly fed by incidents such as the controversy around the flexible wings and the cost-ceiling exceeding of Red Bull in 2022.
Brown, who is known for his direct approach, defended his decision to submit the complaint by stating that it is his responsibility to ensure that the sport remains fair. “We all have a duty to monitor the integrity of Formula 1,” he said in a statement after the race. “If we have suspicions about the conformity of a car, it is our job to raise that at the FIA. This is not about rivalry, but about equal opportunities for everyone.” However, his words seemed to make little impression on Horner, who took the complaint as a “desperate attempt” by McLaren to bring Red Bull out of their ground.
Horner, who is never shy about a sharp reaction, hit hard. “Zak must focus on his own team instead of coming up with conspiracy theories,” he said during a press conference after the race. “Our motorcycle is fully controlled and approved by the FIA. This is nothing more than a distraction tactics of a team that has difficulty beating us on the track.” Horner also pointed to McLaren’s recent dominance in the constructors’ championship, suggesting that Brown’s action comes out of frustration that Verstappen and Red Bull are still a serious threat.
The FIA has since confirmed that she will handle McLaren’s complaint and will conduct a thorough investigation. However, this process can take weeks, and it is unlikely that there is already clarity for the next race in Monaco. In the meantime, the tension between the two teams remains felt. Verstappen himself was largely aloof from the controversy. When he was asked about the complaint, he shrugged and said, “I focus on driving, not on this kind of hassle. Let the Fia do their work.” His sober attitude contrasts sharply with the verbal war that is raging between Brown and Horner.
For sport fans, this development is a new turn in an already tumultuous season. The rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull, both technically and personal, provides extra drama in a competition that is already full of tension. While McLaren hopes that their complaint will lead to sanctions for Red Bull, the question is whether Brown’s GOK will pay. For the time being, Verstappen remains the man to beat, and his spectacular victory in Imola underlines that he and his RB21 cannot simply be pushed aside. The upcoming races not only promise a battle on the track, but also a fight in the meeting rooms of the FIA.
