The Formula 1 world was shaken by a controversial decision by the FIA at the Miami Grand Prix in early May 2025. McLaren was given an official penalty for manipulating tire temperatures, after months of speculation and suspicion from rival Red Bull Racing. The penalty follows additional evidence provided by Red Bull, ending a heated off-track battle. World champion Max Verstappen, who played a crucial role in the championship, did not leave his reaction to the incident unnoticed.
The saga began back in 2024, when Red Bull accused McLaren of using illegal methods to manage tyre temperatures. McLaren’s MCL39 had proven exceptionally good at managing tyre wear, particularly on circuits such as Bahrain and Jeddah, where high temperatures put severe strain on the rear tyres. Thermal images from Red Bull showed noticeably cool zones around McLaren’s brake drums, raising questions about the legality of their cooling systems, with Red Bull suspecting the use of banned substances or innovations that did not comply with regulations. McLaren defended themselves by pointing to aerodynamic superiority and advanced material choices, but the exact workings of their system remained shrouded in mystery.
In the run-up to Miami, the situation escalated. Red Bull provided new evidence, including detailed analysis of thermal imaging and pit stop data, suggesting that McLaren’s brake drums were using unapproved coolants to artificially lower tire temperatures. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull pointed to “impossible” temperature differences that could not be explained by air conduction alone. The FIA, under pressure from Red Bull and other teams, launched an intensive investigation. After inspections during free practice in Miami, the FIA confirmed that McLaren’s system violated the regulations, specifically article 12.8.1 of the technical regulations, which prohibits artificially influencing tire performance.
McLaren’s punishment was significant: a fine of 200,000 euros and a deduction of 10 constructors’ points. The team was also required to modify its brake drums for the next race in Imola. McLaren CEO Zak Brown reacted with disappointment but accepted the ruling. “We believed our innovations were within the regulations, but we respect the FIA’s decision,” he said in a statement. Brown stressed that McLaren’s dominance was not just down to its cooling system, but to a superior car and drivers.
Max Verstappen, who clocked the fourth fastest time in sprint qualifying in Miami, was remarkably sharp in his response. “It’s good that the FIA is finally taking action,” he said after the race. “We knew for a long time that something was wrong. These kinds of tricks don’t belong in sport. Now we can race fairly again.” Verstappen, who is 12 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, stressed that he is focused on his own performance. “McLaren is fast, penalty 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 team boss Christian Horner praised the FIA for its thorough investigation. “This proves that no one is above the rules,” he said. However, he also pointed to the need for consistent penalties, citing previous incidents in which Verstappen himself was given time penalties, such as in Saudi Arabia after a collision with Piastri. Fans on X supported Verstappen, with messages such as “Justice at last!” and photos showing McLaren’s cars maintaining unusually low tyre temperatures.
The penalty does little to change McLaren’s lead in the constructors’ championship, but it does sharpen the balance of power. McLaren driver Lando Norris, who had a strong race in Miami, called the matter “settled” and focused on the coming races. “We will continue to fight for the title, with or without those points,” he said. Meanwhile, Red Bull will be hoping for upgrades in Imola to close the gap on McLaren.
Formula 1 remains a battleground, both on and off the track. The FIA’s ruling shows that technological innovations are under a magnifying glass, and Verstappen’s determination proves that he will not give up. The Miami Grand Prix marked a turning point, but the race for the championship is far from over.
