The Formula 1 world is in tur and rudder after recent events around the Grand Prix weekend in Monaco 2025. Toto Wolff, team boss of Mercedes, has made a powerful statement about McLaren, while accusations against Red Bull Racing occupy the minds. In addition, Max Verstappen, the four -time world champion, spoke for the first time about the controversies, which further increases the tension in the paddock. The battle for the title is more intense than ever, but it is the events outside the track that currently dominate the headlines.

The controversy started when Red Bull Racing, led by Christian Horner, accused McLaren of the use of possible illegal techniques with regard to their tire management. Specifically, Red Bull focused attention on the McLaren MCL39, which, according to them, would get an unauthorized benefit from the manipulation of tire temperatures, possibly due to water in the tires. These allegations, who had been circulating since the 2024 season, escalated in Miami when a water bottle of McLaren-CEO Zak Brown fueled the speculation. Red Bull claimed to have conducted his own research with heat imaging cameras, but the FIA ​​has not found irregularities at McLaren after several inspections. Nevertheless, Red Bull continues to insist on an official protest, which further focuses on the relationship between the two teams.

Toto Wolff, who makes a strong comeback with Mercedes in 2025, joined the discussion with a clear position. In an interview with Sky Sports Germany, he expressed his support for McLaren: “I am on the McLaren side. They have a team with integrity that operates within the lines. These accusations of Red Bull are starting to be tiring.” Wolff emphasized that McLaren’s performance, in particular those of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, are the result of hard work and innovation, not of rule violations. He pointed out that Red Bull’s constant speculation is harmful to the sport and called for a more sporting attitude. His words were widely measured, especially since Mercedes himself was under fire in the past due to alleged flexible front wings, a case that Red Bull then also questioned.

Max Verstappen, who again achieved a dominant victory in Monaco, spoke for the first time about the issue during a press conference. The Dutchman kept himself remarkably neutral: “I focus on my races and leave the rest to the team. If something is wrong, the FIA ​​has to find out. I just want to drive.” His reluctance contrasts with the fierce discussions between Horner and Brown, who continue to attack each other in the media. Verstappen’s performance in Monaco, where he took the lead after a magisterial catch -up action on Piastri in the first round, underlines that he remains unperturbed, even in the midst of the chaos. With 592 points to be divided into the championship, he remains a serious contender for a fifth world title.

However, the allegations against Red Bull go beyond their conflict with McLaren. In the Paddock, rumors about internal unrest within the team, partly due to the difficult start of the RB21 in 2025. Verstappen ended in Bahrain only sixth, a disappointment that raised questions about the competitiveness of the car. Former Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat suggested in the F1 Nation podcast that Red Bull may not operate completely within the lines when adjusting their cars, a claim that was resolutely denied by Horner. These rumors feed speculations about a possible switch from Verstappen to Mercedes in 2026, especially now that Toto Wolff openly admitted to having had conversations with the Dutchman. Although Wolff recently stuck the praise over his current drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, the door for Verstappen remains on a crack.

McLaren, which will be one of the strongest teams in 2025, feels more and more attacked by the constant accusations. Zak Brown expressed his frustration: “If Red Bull is so sure of their case, let them submit a formal protest. We have nothing to hide.” Team boss Andrea Stella added that McLaren’s performance in Imola, where Verstappen defeated them, demonstrated that Red Bull’s progress on high -speed bends was a greater factor than alleged tricks from McLaren. The FIA ​​has announced that it will sharpen the checks for flexible wings and tire management, starting at the Grand Prix of Australia, which only increases the tension.

Formula 1 is not only a battle on the track in 2025, but also a chess of strategy and accusations. While Wolff supports McLaren and puts Red Bull under pressure, Verstappen continues to focus on his performance, as he showed in Monaco. The outcome of the investigations and the rivalry between the teams will determine the rest of the season. For fans, one thing is certain: Formula 1 is more exciting than ever, both on and next to the track.