The 2025 Miami Grand Prix will go down in Formula 1 history as a race full of drama, both on and off the track. After a tumultuous race in which Max Verstappen failed to capitalize on his pole position and finished fourth, tensions between Red Bull and McLaren escalated following unexpected statements from McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Both took aim at Verstappen, accusing him of “irresponsible driving” during crucial moments in the race. These shocking statements were quickly echoed by McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, while Red Bull boss Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko fiercely defended Verstappen. What followed was a verbal war that took the rivalry between the two teams to a new level.

The race in Miami was a triumph for McLaren, with Norris taking his second win of the season and Piastri finishing third. Verstappen, who initially led, was hampered by a chaotic pit stop and problems with the RB21, including overheating tyres. A fierce battle with Norris and Piastri in the opening stages led to a controversial moment at Turn 11, where Verstappen defended too aggressively, according to the McLaren drivers. Norris said after the race: “Max went over the line. He didn’t leave any space and almost forced us off the track.” Piastri added: “It’s not the first time. His actions were dangerous and irresponsible.” The comments, unusually harsh for the normally restrained drivers, sent shockwaves through the paddock.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella fully supported his drivers, pointing to Verstappen’s driving style as “repeatedly problematic” and calling on the FIA ​​to take tougher action. “We want to race, but these kinds of actions put safety at risk,” Stella said, referring to previous incidents such as the collision between Norris and Verstappen at Austria 2024. The McLaren boss stressed that his team would not accept what he called “unacceptable behaviour”, especially now that McLaren leads both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.

On the other side of the conflict, Horner and Marko came to the defense of their star driver. Horner called Norris and Piastri’s comments “laughable” and pointed out that Verstappen was simply defending his position. “Max races hard, but fair. McLaren shouldn’t complain if they can’t keep up,” he said. Marko went further, suggesting that McLaren were trying to distract from their own “tricks,” such as the flexible rear wing that caused a stir earlier this season. He praised Verstappen as “the best driver on the grid” and pointed to his ability to compete against the dominant MCL39 even with an inferior RB21.

At the heart of the conflict lies the intense rivalry that has developed this season. McLaren has overtaken Red Bull as the team to beat, with Norris leading the drivers’ standings and Piastri consistently scoring points. Verstappen, who is struggling with an RB21 that suffers from balance issues and overheating tyres, has made no secret of his frustrations. After Miami, he spoke again about the car’s shortcomings but declined to comment on Norris and Piastri’s statements, tersely saying: “Let them talk.” This reticence contrasts with his earlier outburst, in which he called the RB21 “worthless”.

The FIA ​​has yet to issue an official response to McLaren’s appeal, but stewards investigated the Turn 11 incident during the race and did not impose a penalty. This has fueled McLaren’s anger, which may file a formal complaint. Meanwhile, tensions are growing ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, where Red Bull plans upgrades to improve the RB21. For Verstappen, it is a chance to silence his critics, but the pressure is immense. A fifth world title seems further away than ever, and speculation about his future at Red Bull is mounting.

The verbal battle between McLaren and Red Bull has turned Formula 1 into a soap opera, with drivers and bosses openly expressing their frustrations. While Norris and Piastri are looking to cement their dominance on the track, Verstappen is fighting for his legacy. The coming races promise not only a fight for points, but also a continuation of this heated rivalry that has gripped the sport.