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Red Bull Behind FIA’s Clarification on McLaren’s Brake Cooling System
It has been revealed that Red Bull Racing was the team that prompted the FIA to issue new technical directives ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, following concerns about McLaren’s innovative approach to brake and tyre temperature management.
According to the media, the reigning Constructors’ Champions approached the FIA with questions regarding the legality of certain brake and tyre cooling techniques. This move came as suspicions grew over McLaren’s performance edge, which has helped them secure five wins in the first six races of the 2025 season.
McLaren is believed to be using a sophisticated system involving phase-changing materials (PCMs) embedded in the brake drums. These materials — tiny metal alloys encased in plastic sheaths — are designed to melt and solidify at specific temperatures, allowing for better thermal regulation. This gives McLaren improved tyre warm-up and overall temperature control, offering a significant advantage in managing tyre degradation during races.
Red Bull is said to have used thermal imaging cameras to study McLaren’s brake temperatures, and subsequently asked the FIA whether such a system could legally be used on their RB21. Although the question was hypothetical and did not mention McLaren directly, the FIA responded with a technical directive that clarified what is allowed in relation to wheel bodywork and temperature management systems.
Despite speculation, McLaren has denied making any changes to its car following the directive. The team insists that Red Bull’s performance leap in Imola — where Max Verstappen won — was down to the nature of the track and recent upgrades to the RB21, rather than any regulation changes affecting them.
As is often the case in Formula 1, teams regularly seek clarification from the FIA to probe rivals’ designs or innovations. These requests can result in new interpretations of the rules, potentially forcing competitors to alter their cars.
Whether McLaren has been affected by the directive will likely become clearer over the coming races. The upcoming Monaco Grand Prix, followed by the Spanish Grand Prix where new flexible wing rules come into effect, could reveal whether McLaren has had to adapt — or if the latest technical directive was simply a case of strategic gamesmanship.
If no significant change in form is seen, the issue may prove to be more noise than impact — yet another example of the constant technical maneuvering that define modern Formula 1.
