With the result confirmed, Verstappen remains P4 in Miami and holds just a six-point lead over Russell in the drivers’ championship. As the battle between Mercedes and Red Bull heats up, all eyes now turn to the next round, where the rivalry promises to be even fiercer.
In an official statement released Sunday evening, the FIA clarified: “We have thoroughly examined the data, including thermal telemetry and team procedures, and have found no evidence that McLaren employed any illicit techniques to cool their tyres or brakes. McLaren remained fully compliant with the technical regulations throughout the Miami Grand Prix weekend.”
His Red Bull reportedly conducted its own private investigation, using thermal imaging to monitor the temperatures of McLaren’s cars and informally raising concerns that the Woking-based team might be using questionable cooling methods to gain an advantage.
McLaren Kacing CEO Zak Brown was back at the start of the weekend, telling Christian Horner’s team to “shut up or shut up”, while Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also defended McLaren, saying he had “without a doubt”
Max Verstappen, who finished fourth behind George Russell in Miami, also weighed in after the FIA verdict: “Look, we all want to win, but you can’t just start blaming the teams every time they beat you. McLaren have done a great job and as drivers, we focus on improving on the track, not pointing fingers.”
The FIA statement specifically addressed whether Aclaren had crossed the line, adding: “There is no indication that McLaren has breached the rules through covert or unapproved methods. We consider the matter closed unless new and substantial evidence emerges.”
The announcement puts Red Bull-led suspicions to rest for at least November as the grid turns its attention to the next Grand Prix, where competition is expected to remain fierce.
