A storm has erupted in the Formula 1 paddock after an explosive revelation from the FIA’s recent investigation into McLaren’s performance. According to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, the governing body has uncovered a “clandestine” technique used by McLaren to manipulate rear tire temperatures — a move that may have breached strict F1 regulations on tire management and vehicle setup.

The controversy came to light shortly after the FIA concluded an internal investigation prompted by suspicious data patterns observed during the last three Grand Prix weekends. Several teams, including Red Bull and Aston Martin, had quietly raised concerns over McLaren’s sudden uptick in rear-end grip during qualifying sessions and race restarts — often seen as a key advantage in today’s competitive field.

A Hidden Advantage?

At the heart of the matter is McLaren’s alleged use of an unregulated method to subtly heat the rear tires beyond permitted thresholds, especially during out-laps and safety car periods. The FIA’s technical directive strictly limits how tire blankets and brake systems may interact with tire temperatures to prevent overheating — a measure designed to ensure fairness and safety.

Christian Horner didn’t hold back when speaking to media in Monaco:

“The FIA has confirmed what we suspected — McLaren has been using an unauthorized system that affects rear tire temperature in a way that violates the technical regulations. It’s not just a gray area; it’s clearly outside the spirit of the rules,” he said.

“This kind of manipulation gives a huge advantage in traction and tire life. It affects qualifying pace, race strategy, and even tire degradation over stints. It’s no surprise their recent form has been so strong.”

What Did the FIA Discover?

While the FIA has not officially released the full report to the public, insiders claim that the team used a modified brake duct design in conjunction with a concealed heating element embedded deep within the suspension structure. This allowed the rear tires to retain more heat than their competitors during critical phases, without showing anomalies on standard monitoring systems.

Sources within the FIA described the system as “ingenious but illegal,” noting that while it didn’t directly breach a single written rule, it circumvented the regulations through a technical loophole — one now expected to be closed immediately.

McLaren’s Response: Denial and Defensiveness

McLaren CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella have strongly denied any wrongdoing. In a brief but tense press conference, Stella responded to Horner’s accusations:

“We categorically deny that we’ve breached any regulations. All systems used on our car were cleared by the FIA throughout the season. If new interpretations are being introduced, we will of course comply — but we’ve done nothing illegal,” he stated.

When asked if McLaren would appeal any possible sanctions, Stella said the team was “prepared to defend itself through every legal channel if necessary.”

Consequences Incoming?

With the season reaching its midpoint and championship battles heating up, the potential fallout from this revelation is immense. The FIA has not yet confirmed whether penalties — such as disqualification from recent races, fines, or points deductions — will be applied. A technical directive banning McLaren’s current design is expected to be issued ahead of the next race in Canada.

Analysts say the team’s recent podium finishes — particularly Lando Norris’s impressive second-place drives — could be brought into question. Rival teams are already calling for clarity and swift action.

Ferrari sporting director Laurent Mekies commented, “If the findings are accurate, there must be consequences. We all play by the same rulebook — or we should.”

Pressure Mounting on McLaren Leadership

Behind the scenes, pressure is reportedly mounting on McLaren’s leadership, particularly team principal Andrea Stella, who had previously been praised for the team’s resurgence in 2024 and 2025. Sponsors are said to be closely monitoring the situation, and there are whispers of discontent among shareholders.

A McLaren insider, speaking anonymously, shared: “This is the worst timing. We’ve worked so hard to rebuild our reputation, and now this. Whether it’s a misunderstanding or not, the damage to our image is real.”

What’s Next?

The FIA is expected to release an official statement within the next 48 hours. Until then, the F1 world remains on edge, waiting to see whether this alleged “secret trick” will lead to official sanctions — or whether McLaren will manage to weather the storm.

For now, the message from Christian Horner and Red Bull is clear: in the fight for the championship, there’s no room for secrets — and no tolerance for tricks.