F1 News: FIA Fines McLaren for Tire Temperature Manipulation at Monaco GP After Red Bull Evidence
In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, the FIA has officially imposed a fine on McLaren for manipulating tire temperatures, following new evidence presented by Red Bull. The penalty comes amid heightened tensions between the two teams, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen weighing in on the controversy.
The FIA’s investigation was triggered after Red Bull submitted thermal imaging data from the Monaco GP weekend, highlighting irregularities in McLaren’s brake drum temperatures. The evidence suggested that McLaren was using a sophisticated method to control tire temperatures, potentially involving phase-changing materials (PCMs) within the brake drums to enhance tire performance. This follows earlier allegations from Red Bull, which had accused McLaren of employing illegal tire-cooling techniques as far back as the 2024 season. While previous investigations, including one at the 2024 Brazilian GP, found no conclusive evidence, the new data from Monaco prompted the FIA to act.
According to an official FIA statement, McLaren was found in breach of technical regulations concerning tire and brake temperature management. The team has been fined €50,000, with the FIA emphasizing that the violation involved “innovative but non-compliant methods” to gain a competitive advantage. The stewards stopped short of imposing a sporting penalty, such as a grid drop or points deduction, citing the complexity of proving intent in the Monaco context. However, the FIA has introduced stricter monitoring protocols for tire and brake systems, effective immediately, to prevent similar infractions.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella responded, stating, “We respect the FIA’s findings and will comply fully with the penalty. Our focus remains on delivering strong performances within the regulations.” The team denied any deliberate wrongdoing, attributing their tire performance to engineering advancements rather than illegal methods.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished fifth in qualifying at Monaco, commented on the situation during a post-qualifying press conference: “It’s good to see the FIA taking action. Everyone’s pushing the limits, but the rules are there for a reason. We all want a fair fight, especially on a track like Monaco where every advantage counts.” Verstappen’s remarks reflect Red Bull’s ongoing scrutiny of McLaren’s technical innovations, particularly after the Woking-based team’s dominant 2025 season, which has seen them secure five victories in the first six races.
The fine adds fuel to the fiery rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull, which has been marked by technical disputes throughout the season. Red Bull’s earlier protests led to new FIA technical directives before the Emilia Romagna GP, targeting tire and brake cooling methods. While McLaren maintained their car was legal, the Monaco evidence has shifted the narrative, raising questions about their performance edge.
As the paddock prepares for Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix, where Lando Norris claimed pole position ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, the focus will be on McLaren’s response on the track. With the FIA tightening its oversight and Red Bull continuing to monitor their rivals closely, the battle for supremacy in Formula 1 is as fierce off the track as it is on it
