The Formula 1 world was rocked in early May 2025 by a controversial decision by the FIA ​​during the Miami Grand Prix. McLaren was handed an official penalty for manipulating tire temperatures, following months of speculation and suspicion from rivals Red Bull Racing. The penalty comes after additional evidence provided by Red Bull, which ended a bitter battle outside the works. World champion Max Verstappen, who played a crucial role in the championship, did not go unnoticed for his response to the incident.

The saga began in 2024, when Red Bull McLaren accused the team of using unauthorized methods to monitor tire temperatures. McLaren’s MCL39 has proven exceptionally good at managing tire wear, especially at circuits like Bahrain and Jeddah, where high temperatures place a heavy load on the rear tires. Red Bull’s heat imaging showed noticeably cold areas around the McLaren’s brake drums, raising questions about the legality of its cooling systems. Red Bull suspected the use of banned features or innovations that did not comply with the regulations. McLaren defended itself by pointing to aerodynamic superiority and advanced material choices, but the exact effect of its system remained a mystery.

On the run-up to Miami, the situation escalated. Red Bull provided new evidence, including detailed analysis of thermal imaging and pit stop data, suggesting that McLaren’s brake drums had used unauthorized coolants to keep tire temperatures artificially low. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull reported “impossible” temperature differences that could not be explained by air conduction alone. The FIA, under pressure from Red Bull and other teams, launched an intensive investigation. Following inspections during free practice sessions in Miami, the FIA ​​confirmed that McLaren’s system violated the regulations, specifically Article 12.8.1 of the Technical Regulations, which prohibits artificially influencing tire performance.

The punishment for McLaren was significant: a fine of 200,000 euros and a deduction of 10 constructor points. In addition, the team was forced to adjust its brake drums for the next race in Imola. McLaren CEO Zak Brown reacted with disappointment, but accepted the ruling. “We believe our innovations are within the rules, but we respect the FIA’s decision,” he said in a press release. Brown emphasized that McLaren’s dominance was not due solely to the cooling system, but to the superior car and drivers.

Max Verstappen, who finished fourth in the sprint qualifying in Miami, was extremely quick to react. “It’s good that the FIA ​​is finally taking action,” he said after the race. “We knew for a long time that something was wrong. This kind of cheating has no place in sport. Now we can race again.” Verstappen, who trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 12 points, stressed that he was focused on his own performance. “McLaren are fast, whatever the penalty. I have to do my best to beat them.” His words reflected the frustration at Red Bull, who saw McLaren’s tyre management as giving them an unfair advantage.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner praised the FIA ​​for its thorough investigation. “It shows that no one is above the rules,” he said. However, he also stressed the need for consistent punishments, referring to previous incidents in which Verstappen received time penalties, such as in Saudi Arabia after a collision with Piastri. X fans rallied around Verstappen, with messages such as “Finally justice!” and photos showing how the McLaren cars maintained abnormally low tire temperatures.

The penalty does not change McLaren’s lead in the constructors’ championship but focuses on relationships. McLaren driver Lando Norris, who had a strong race in Miami, called the case “well handled” and focused on the upcoming races. “We are still fighting for the title, with or without these points,” he said. Red Bull, meanwhile, is hoping for improvements in Imola to close the gap to McLaren.

Formula 1 remains an arena, both on and off the track. The FIA’s decision shows that technological innovations are under scrutiny, and Verstappen’s determination shows he will not give up. The Miami Grand Prix marked a turning point, but the championship race is still up in the air.