Just in: Red Bull Racing Calls FIA’s Attention to McLaren Tr… read more
Red Bull Racing Calls FIA’s Attention to McLaren Tr… read more
Red Bull Racing has reportedly been the catalyst behind a recent investigation by the FIA into McLaren’s car development, particularly focusing on brake and tyre temperature management systems. Ahead of the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, new technical directives were issued by the FIA, a move that appears to have been initiated due to concerns raised by Red Bull about McLaren’s competitive edge.
Sources suggest that Red Bull, the defending Constructors’ Champions, contacted the FIA to question the legality of some of McLaren’s technological solutions related to how the team manages heat around the brake systems and tyres. The specific details of these innovations have not been publicly disclosed, but it’s understood that McLaren may have developed unique methods of cooling or regulating heat in these components, which could potentially offer a significant advantage in tyre performance, degradation, and overall race pace.
McLaren has been one of the standout teams of the 2025 season so far, winning five out of the six opening races and emerging as a serious threat to Red Bull’s dominance. Their strong form has not gone unnoticed, and speculation about how they are achieving such consistently strong performances has been growing in the paddock. As a result, Red Bull’s request for clarification from the FIA appears to be part of a broader effort to ensure all teams are competing within the same technical framework and ruleset.
In response to Red Bull’s inquiry, the FIA issued new technical guidance to all teams, aimed at clarifying what is and isn’t permissible when it comes to managing temperatures in critical areas of the car. While the FIA has not publicly singled out any one team, the timing and context of the directive suggest it is closely related to McLaren’s recent surge in performance.
This move highlights a familiar pattern in Formula 1, where dominant teams often come under scrutiny from rivals. When one team appears to find a performance breakthrough, other competitors and the governing body often take a closer look to ensure any innovation complies with the sport’s regulations. In this case, Red Bull seems to be using the official channels to question McLaren’s interpretation of the rules, hoping to either neutralize a potential advantage or force a technical adjustment.
Whether McLaren’s methods will be deemed legal or require modification remains to be seen, but the development adds another layer of intrigue to what is shaping up to be a competitive and politically charged 2025 Formula 1 season.
