Barcelona, ​​Spain –   Formula 1 is on fire again. This time, the fire has been ignited by an explosive controversy between Red Bull Racing and McLaren, after the Austrian team accused the British team of using an “illegal front wing” at the last Grand Prix. However, McLaren CEO Zak Brown did not remain silent and responded with a harshness that shook the entire paddock. To add fuel to the fire,   the FIA ​​has just published new information that could completely change the course of this controversy.

Cheating or innovation?

It all started after qualifying, where McLaren’s performance surprised even the most optimistic engineers. According to Red Bull sources, the MCL38’s front wing design had “flexed” under certain conditions, providing an aerodynamic advantage that they considered “outside technical legality”. The Milton Keynes-based team expressed its concerns to the FIA, requesting a formal investigation.

Zak Brown’s response was immediate and fierce. In official statements, the American leader attacked Red Bull:

These allegations are not only false, but deeply hypocritical. Red Bull should be the last team to speak out about technical cheating. We respect the rules and we will prove it. »

The FIA ​​enters the game

Given the scale of the dispute, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has carried out a comprehensive analysis of McLaren’s front wing. On Thursday, the F1 governing body released an official statement   denying any illegality   in the British car’s design.

“Following a detailed inspection and controlled bending tests, it has been determined that the component complies with the requirements of the technical regulations for the 2025 season,” the FIA ​​said.

Furthermore, the federation included comparative images and technical data to dispel any doubts. With this statement, McLaren is right and the media pressure strategy employed by Red Bull is questioned.

Brown’s counterattack: “This has to stop”

With the support of the FIA, Zak Brown raised the bar even higher. In a later press conference, he said:

This kind of psychological warfare only tarnishes the sport. Red Bull has crossed a line. We will not tolerate our integrity being questioned without tangible evidence. We are open to competition, but with clear rules and mutual respect.

Brown also called on Liberty Media and the F1 board to   implement sanctions over unfounded allegations   , saying such situations damage the championship’s image among fans and sponsors.

Red Bull’s response?

At the time of going to press, Red Bull had not released any further statement following the FIA’s decision, but sources close to the team indicated they were not happy with the outcome. Senior adviser Helmut Marko suggested to an Austrian outlet that “the FIA’s explanations do not dispel all doubts”, leaving open the possibility of future appeals or new inspections.

A dangerous precedent

The incident is reminiscent of past debates in the sport, where the line between innovation and technical cheating was constantly being questioned. What happened to McLaren could set an   important precedent   for how suspicions are handled between teams, especially in such a tight season where every tenth of a second counts.

Social media is exploding

Meanwhile, social media exploded with thousands of messages supporting McLaren and criticizing Red Bull. The hashtag   #GoZakGo   began trending on Twitter, with several former drivers and commentators supporting the American’s stance.

Among the most notable, former champion Damon Hill wrote:

“Zak Brown is doing the right thing. A team can’t afford to make baseless accusations simply because they can’t stand the competition. »

Conclusion:

What seemed like a simple technical complaint has turned into a major reputational battle. McLaren is coming out of it with its head held high for now, but the war is far from over. With more than half of the season remaining, this clash promises to continue to fuel headlines and debate around the world.

  Do you side with McLaren or do you think Red Bull has a point? Tell us what you think and share this article if you also think F1 needs more transparency and less drama!