Breaking: FIA Rebuts McLaren Claims, Ferrari Issues F….read more
FIA Rebuts McLaren Claims, Ferrari Issues F….read more
In the latest developments from the Formula 1 world, the FIA has formally responded to concerns raised by McLaren’s Zak Brown regarding protest protocols, while Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur maintains a positive outlook despite a turbulent Miami Grand Prix. These stories, along with Max Verstappen’s latest off-track activity, top the F1 news round-up for Friday, May 9, 2025.
FIA Responds to McLaren’s Call for Stricter Protest Procedures
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has publicly aligned himself with McLaren CEO Zak Brown’s recent suggestion that any team filing a protest should be required to submit a significant monetary deposit. This move is aimed at discouraging baseless or frivolous protests that can disrupt the sport and waste valuable time.
Zak Brown raised the issue after reports surfaced that Red Bull had questioned the legality of McLaren’s tire-cooling methods. According to Red Bull, McLaren’s cooling strategy might have breached the regulations—an accusation Brown firmly denied. He argued that such speculative complaints could harm the spirit of fair competition and called for the introduction of financial penalties for unfounded protests.
The FIA seems to agree with Brown’s standpoint. President Ben Sulayem emphasized that requiring deposits could serve as a useful deterrent against hollow claims, allowing stewards to focus on genuine issues of compliance and safety. This response from the governing body adds weight to McLaren’s argument and could prompt a procedural change in how team protests are handled going forward.
Ferrari Stays Positive After a Rocky Weekend in Miami
On another front, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has come out with an optimistic take following what was undeniably a frustrating Miami Grand Prix for the Scuderia. Both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz faced challenges during the race weekend, including strategic missteps and moments of visible frustration over the team radio. Despite these hiccups, Vasseur believes Ferrari performed solidly under pressure.
Vasseur stated that the team’s ability to debrief constructively and understand the sources of driver frustration was key to turning the event into a learning opportunity. Rather than letting the drama overshadow their efforts, Ferrari’s leadership focused on clear communication and internal analysis. According to Vasseur, this approach has helped the team stay united and improve their execution for upcoming races.
While Ferrari didn’t secure a podium finish in Miami, the mood inside the team remains constructive. With better understanding of where things went wrong, they aim to bounce back stronger in the next rounds of the championship.
In Other News: Verstappen Behind the Wheel of Something New
Meanwhile, reigning world champion Max Verstappen was seen testing a new car—although not an F1 model. The Dutch driver reportedly took some time off to enjoy driving a different machine, reminding fans of his passion for motorsport in all forms.
With the season heating up, tensions rising between top teams, and leadership figures stepping up, Formula 1 continues to deliver drama both on and off the track.
