After Max Verstappen’s spectacular victory, McLaren’s boss Zak Brown unexpectedly filed a FIA complaint on the RB21 engine. Christian Horner also reacted firmly.
The Formula 1 world was shaken last weekend by a series of events that caused both work and outside it. Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, won an impressive victory during the Emilia-Romanha Grand Prix, with which he once again proved to be one of the most dominant riders of his generation. Its Red Bull RB21 seemed perfectly adapted to the Imola circuit, where he left the competition behind with a combination of speed and accuracy. However, while champagne was still running at Red Bull’s camp, McLaren CEO Zak Brown released an unexpected pump at Paddock by presenting an official complaint to the FIA on the RB21 engine.
Brown’s complaint has focused specifically on alleged irregularities in the source of energy of RB21, which he believes he may not meet the strict technical regulations of the FIA. Although the details of the complaint have not been released, sources suggest that McLaren questions the way Red Bull optimizes engine performance, especially in relation to fuel consumption and power delivery under specific circumstances. This is not the first time McLaren and Red Bull have been involved in a fierce battle. The rivalry between the two teams, and in particular between Brown and Red Bull team chief Christian Horner has become increasingly intense in recent years, partly fueled by incidents such as controversy surrounding flexible wings and overcoming Red Bull cost ceiling in 2022.
Brown, known for his direct approach, defended his decision to submit the complaint by stating that it is his responsibility to ensure that the sport remains fair. “We all have a duty to monitor the integrity of Formula 1,” he said in a statement after the race. “If we have suspicions about the conformity of a car, it is our job to raise it in the FIA. This is not rivalry, but equal opportunities for everyone.” However, his words seemed to make little impression on Horner, who interpreted the complaint as a “desperate attempt” from McLaren to take Red Bull out of his territory.
Horner, who never dodges a sudden reaction, criticized hard. “Zak needs to focus on his own team instead of inventing conspiracy theories,” he said during a press conference after the race. “Our bike is fully controlled and approved by the FIA. This is just a distraction tactic from a team that has difficulty winning us on the track.” Horner also highlighted McLaren’s recent rule in the builders championship, suggesting that Brown’s attitude is due to the frustration that Verstappen and Red Bull are still a serious threat.
The FIA has since confirmed that it will deal with McLaren’s complaint and conduct a complete investigation. However, this process may take weeks and it is unlikely that there is already clarity for the next race in Monaco. Meanwhile, the tension between the two teams remains present. Verstappen itself remained quite far from the controversy. When asked about the complaint, he shrugged and said, “I’m focusing on driving, not in this kind of problem. Let the fia do his job.” His sober attitude contrasts strongly with the verbal war that plagues Brown and Horner.
For sports fans, this development represents a new turnaround in a already tumultuous season. The rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull, both technical and personally, adds drama to a tension -laden competition. While McLaren expects its complaint to bring sanctions to Red Bull, the question is whether Brown’s Gok will pay. For now, Verstappen remains the man to be beaten, and his spectacular victory in Imola points out that he and his RB21 cannot simply be set aside. The next races not only promise a battle on the track, but also a fight in the FIA meeting rooms.
