The Formula 1 world was shaken in early May 2025 by a controversial decision of the FIA during the Miami Grand Prix. McLaren was given an official punishment for manipulating tire temperatures, after months of speculation and suspicions of competitor Red Bull Racing. The punishment follows additional evidence that Red Bull supplied, which ended a heated battle outside the job. World champion Max Verstappen, who played a crucial role in the championship, did not go unnoticed by his response to the incident.
The Saga already started in 2024, when Red Bull McLaren accused of unauthorized methods to control the tire temperatures. McLaren’s MCL39 proved exceptionally good at managing tire wear, especially on circuits such as Bahrain and Jeddah, where high temperatures heavily load the rear tires. Heat images of Red Bull showed remarkably cool zones around McLaren’s brake drums, which raised questions about the legality of their cooling systems. Red Bull suspected the use of prohibited resources or innovations that did not meet the regulations. McLaren defended himself by pointing out aerodynamic superiority and advanced material choices, but the exact effect of their system remained mysterious.
In the run -up to Miami, the situation escalated. Red Bull provided new evidence, including detailed analyzes of heat images and data from pit stops, which suggested that McLaren’s brake drums used unauthorized coolants to keep the tire temperatures artificially low. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull pointed to “impossible” temperature differences that could not only be explained by air conduction. The FIA, under pressure from Red Bull and other teams, started an intensive investigation. After inspections during the free training sessions in Miami, the FIA confirmed that McLaren’s system violated the regulations, specifically Article 12.8.1 of the technical regulations, which forbids tire performance to artificially influence.
The punishment for McLaren was significant: a fine of 200,000 euros and a deduction of 10 constructors points. In addition, the team was obliged to adjust their brake drums for the next race in Imola. McLaren CEO Zak Brown reacted disappointed but accepted the pronunciation. “We believed that our innovations fell within the rules, but respect the FIA decision,” he said in a press statement. Brown emphasized that McLaren’s dominance was not only due to the cooling system, but to a superior car and drivers.
Max Verstappen, who clocked in the fourth time in the sprint qualification in Miami, was remarkably sharp in his reaction. “It’s good that the FIA finally takes action,” he said after the race. “We had known for a long time that something was wrong. This kind of tricks do not belong in the sport. Now we can racing again.” Verstappen, who is 12 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, emphasized that he focuses on his own performance. “McLaren is fast, punishment or not. I have to give everything to beat them.” His words reflected the frustration within Red Bull, which saw McLaren’s tire management as an unfair advantage.
Red Bull’s team boss Christian Horner praised the FIA for their thorough research. “This proves that nobody is above the rules,” he said. However, he also pointed to the need for consistent punishments, referring to earlier incidents where Verstappen himself received time sentences, such as in Saudi Arabia after a collision with Piastri. Fans on X supported Verstappen, with messages such as “Finally justice!” And photos that showed how McLaren’s cars retained unusually low tire temperatures.
The punishment does not change McLaren’s lead in the constructors’ championship, but focuses on the relationships. McLaren driver Lando Norris, who drove a strong race in Miami, called the case “handled” and focused on the upcoming races. “We keep fighting for the title, with or without those points,” he said. In the meantime, Red Bull hopes for upgrades in Imola to close the gap with McLaren.
Formula 1 remains a arena, both on and next to the track. The FIA’s pronunciation shows that technological innovations are under a magnifying glass, and Verstappen’s determination proves that he will not give up. The Grand Prix of Miami marked a turning point, but the race for the championship has not been decided yet.
