BREAKING: McLaren Accuses Red Bull of Creating False Underdog Narrative A…read more
BREAKING: McLaren Accuses Red Bull of Creating False Underdog Narrative Amid…read more
McLaren has taken aim at Red Bull, accusing the reigning Formula 1 champions of deliberately shaping a misleading underdog narrative to mask their continued competitiveness.
Following Max Verstappen’s narrow pole position victory over Lando Norris in Miami by just 0.065 seconds McLaren team boss Andrea Stella suggested that Red Bull is not only excelling on track but also off it, by influencing perception in the paddock and media.
Stella Criticizes Red Bull’s Media Strategy
“Red Bull are not just great at building and driving fast cars, they’re also extremely skilled at crafting a narrative that benefits them,” Stella said during the Miami GP weekend. “They use every opportunity to stay ahead—including pushing the idea that others should be winning everything, which doesn’t reflect the reality.”
McLaren entered the weekend as favourites, especially after Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri secured a 1-2 finish in the sprint race. However, Verstappen’s pole in qualifying once again underscored Red Bull’s ability to deliver when it matters.
Stella emphasized that McLaren isn’t buying into the external noise. “We read the headlines, then move on. Our focus is on the data, the performance, and what we need to improve. Both Lando and Oscar have been consistent, and there’s plenty more we can do.”
Norris Confident Heading Into Race Day
Despite narrowly missing out on pole, Norris is hopeful he can take the fight to Verstappen in Sunday’s race at the Miami International Autodrome, where he claimed his first career win last season.
“There’s good potential for overtaking here, especially with DRS and heavy braking zones. I’m not just looking at Max though—Kimi and Oscar have both been quick. It’s going to be a real fight,” Norris said.
Heading into the sixth race of the season, Piastri leads the drivers’ standings by nine points over Norris, with Verstappen just 10 points further back. With close margins and rising tension, Sunday’s showdown could add another chapter to an already intense 2025 title battle.
