Lando Norris accused George Russell of cheating with illegal tires, George Russell’s car was withdrawn for investigation at the 2025 Bahrain GP.
The 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, already a thrilling chapter in the Formula 1 season, took a dramatic turn when McLaren’s Lando Norris accused Mercedes driver George Russell of cheating by using illegal tires. The explosive allegation came shortly after the race, in which McLaren’s Oscar Piastri took victory from pole position, while Russell fought hard to secure second place, fending off a powerfully advancing Norris from third. The accusation sent shock waves through the paddock and culminated in Russell’s car being impounded by the FIA ​​for a thorough investigation, casting a pall over what had been a hard-fought weekend in Sakhir.
The controversy erupted in the post-race cool-down room, where a visibly frustrated Norris was heard making pointed comments about Russell’s performance. Sources close to the McLaren team revealed that Norris suspected irregularities with the tires on Russell’s Mercedes W16, claiming they provided an unfair advantage in grip and durability, particularly in the closing stages of the race. Norris’s initially vague comments gained traction when he reportedly told reporters: “It’s not right. You can’t brake a car like ours on those tires unless something goes wrong.” The allegation, though yet to be substantiated, was serious enough to prompt immediate action from the sport’s governing body.
Russell, for his part, seemed surprised by the accusations. The 27-year-old Briton, who delivered a masterclass in defensive driving to keep Norris at bay, dismissed the claims as “jealousy” from a competitor under pressure. “I gave it my all today, and the team did everything to the letter,” Russell said in a post-race interview. “If Lando has a problem, he should be taking it to the stewards, not throwing accusations around.” Despite his defiance, the FIA ​​confirmed that Russell’s car was taken for inspection, focusing on tire composition and compliance with the strict 2025 tire manufacturing and use regulations.
The backdrop to this saga was an intensely competitive race. Piastri dominated from the front, converting his pole position into a comfortable victory, his second of the season. Behind him, Russell and Norris engaged in a duel that captivated fans throughout the race. Norris, who struggled in qualifying and started sixth, made strong progress but found himself stuck behind Russell’s Mercedes in the final stint. The McLaren’s superior pace was evident, but Russell’s tire management and strategic defense proved insurmountable. This backdrop fueled Norris’s suspicions, as he wondered how Russell’s tires held up under such relentless pressure.
The FIA’s decision to impound Russell’s car reflects the seriousness with which the matter is being treated. Formula 1 tire regulations are rigorously enforced, and Pirelli supplies standardized compounds to ensure a level playing field. Any deviation, whether through unauthorized modifications or external treatments, could lead to severe penalties, including disqualification. The investigation is expected to analyze tire wear patterns, chemical composition, and telemetry data to determine whether Mercedes gained an illegal advantage. The results may not be immediate, as a forensic analysis of this nature can take days, leaving the final classification of the Bahrain GP in limbo.
This incident adds another layer of tension to the already fierce rivalry between Norris and Russell, two of F1’s brightest British talents. Norris, who leads the drivers’ championship by a single point over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, is under immense pressure to secure McLaren’s first drivers’ title since 2008. Russell, meanwhile, is struggling to prove his worth as Mercedes’ lead driver alongside rookie Kimi Antonelli. Their on-track battles have been a highlight of 2025, but this off-track clash could exacerbate personal animosities.
The paddock is no stranger to allegations of fraud, as teams have historically pushed the limits of technical regulations. Last year, Red Bull faced scrutiny over a front race number device, while McLaren modified a rear wing after discussions with the FIA. However, tire-related controversies are rare, given Pirelli’s centralized control over supply. If Mercedes is found guilty, it could trigger a wider investigation into its processes, potentially impacting its season. Conversely, if Norris’s allegations are unfounded, it could damage his credibility and McLaren’s reputation.
As the FIA ​​investigates further, attention turns to Jeddah, where the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is ​​looming. For now, the legacy of the Bahrain GP is a triumph tinged with suspicion. Piastri’s victory deserves to be celebrated, but the mystery of Russell’s tires remains. Was it skill, strategy, or something sinister that kept Norris at bay? Only the investigation will tell, and the F1 world eagerly awaits the answers.
