On May 4, 2025, McLaren team boss Zak Brown sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world with an explosive accusation against Max Verstappen ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. Following Verstappen’s surprise pole position in qualifying, Brown accused the Dutchman of “cheating”, pointing to alleged irregularities in the set-up of Red Bull’s RB21. The controversy was further inflamed by a surprise response from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who dismissed the accusations as “baseless” and defended the integrity of the sport.

Qualifying in Miami was a masterpiece from Verstappen. Despite a difficult sprint race, in which he only managed fourth after a pit lane incident and a time penalty, he delivered a brilliant lap in Q3. He beat Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who had looked faster with McLaren all weekend. Verstappen’s pole was attributed to an improved rear wing set-up and optimal energy deployment, but Brown questioned the legality of this. In a press moment he stated: “That pole smells like cheating. Red Bull is pushing the boundaries of the regulations too far.” He specifically pointed to the flexibility of the rear wing, an issue that had already caused controversy around McLaren itself in 2025.

Brown’s accusation sparked a media storm. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner responded furiously, calling Brown’s words “defamatory” and “a desperate attempt to mask McLaren’s own failings”. He stressed that the RB21 had been thoroughly inspected by the FIA ​​after qualifying and found to be completely legal. Social media exploded with reactions, with fans of Verstappen and McLaren fiercely attacking each other. Hashtags such as #FIAFairness and #McLarenCheat trended, while some questioned Brown’s timing, given McLaren’s previous controversies with its own rear wing in Japan.

The FIA, led by Ben Sulayem, reacted unusually quickly. In an official statement, he said: “Allegations of cheating without evidence undermine the sport. Verstappen’s pole was fairly earned, and the RB21 complies with all regulations.” This strong support for Verstappen surprised many, given Ben Sulayem’s previous tensions with the Dutchman, such as the controversial penalty in Jeddah for an incident with Piastri. Some analysts suggested that Ben Sulayem’s statement was intended to reassert his authority following criticism of inconsistent FIA decisions.

The controversy comes at a tense time in the championship. Verstappen is just 12 points behind leader Piastri and 10 behind Norris, while McLaren has overtaken Red Bull in the constructors’ championship. Brown’s remarks appear partly to be a strategic move to put pressure on Red Bull, but the risk of backlash is high. Earlier this season, McLaren itself was investigated for a flexible rear wing, leading to a modification of its “mini-DRS” after the Japanese Grand Prix. This makes Brown’s accusation hypocritical in the eyes of Red Bull fans, who point to the “pot-kettle” dynamic.

Verstappen himself remained calm. “I let my laps do the talking,” he said after qualifying, as he focused on the race and his new role as father to daughter Lily. His level-headed demeanor contrasted with the escalating war of words between Brown and Horner. Norris, though loyal to McLaren, distanced himself from Brown’s harsh words, saying: “I focus on racing, not arguing.” Piastri remained largely silent, but his pole in Bahrain earlier this year is a testament to McLaren’s speed.

The Miami Grand Prix promises to be an explosive race, both on and off the track. Verstappen’s pole position gives him an advantage, but McLaren’s long-run pace makes them the favorites. The controversy surrounding Brown’s accusation could affect the dynamic, with both teams potentially facing additional FIA checks. Ben Sulayem’s unexpected endorsement of Verstappen has further inflamed tensions with McLaren, with many wondering if this will affect the relationship between the FIA ​​and the British team. As the lights dim tomorrow, Formula 1 remains a battleground of speed, strategy and sharp words. Will Verstappen capitalize on his pole, or will McLaren hit back? Miami holds its breath.