“He cheated” Lando Norris ACCUSED George Russell of Cheating with Illegal Tires, George Russell’s Car Was Taken Away 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, which saw McLaren’s Oscar Piastri claim victory from pole position, while Russell fought hard to secure second place, fending off a charging Norris in third. The accusation sent shockwaves through the paddock, culminating in Russell’s car being impounded by the FIA for a thorough investigation, casting a shadow over what had been a fiercely contested weekend at Sakhir.
The controversy erupted in the post-race cooldown room, where Norris, visibly frustrated, was overheard making pointed remarks about Russell’s performance. Sources close to the McLaren team revealed that Norris suspected irregularities in the tires used on Russell’s Mercedes W16, claiming they provided an unfair advantage in grip and durability, particularly in the race’s closing stages. Norris’s comments, initially vague, gained traction when he reportedly told journalists, “It’s not right. You don’t hold off a car like ours on those tires unless something’s off.” The accusation, though not yet substantiated, was serious enough to prompt immediate action from the sport’s governing body.
Russell, for his part, appeared blindsided by the claims. The 27-year-old Briton, who delivered a masterclass in defensive driving to keep Norris at bay, dismissed the allegations as “sour grapes” from a competitor under pressure. “I drove my heart out today, and the team did everything by the book,” Russell said in a post-race interview. “If Lando has an issue, he should take it up with the stewards, not throw around accusations.” Despite his defiance, the FIA confirmed that Russell’s car was taken for inspection, with a focus on tire composition and compliance with 2025’s stringent regulations on tire manufacturing and usage.
The backdrop to this saga was an intensely competitive race. Piastri dominated from the front, converting his pole position into a comfortable win, his second of the season. Behind him, Russell and Norris engaged in a race-long duel that captivated fans. Norris, who struggled in qualifying and started sixth, carved through the field but found himself stuck behind Russell’s Mercedes in the final stint. The McLaren’s superior pace was evident, yet Russell’s tire management and strategic defending proved insurmountable. This context fueled Norris’s suspicions, as he questioned how Russell’s tires held up under such relentless pressure.
The FIA’s decision to impound Russell’s car reflects the seriousness with which they are treating the matter. Formula 1’s tire regulations are tightly enforced, with Pirelli supplying standardized compounds to ensure a level playing field. Any deviation—whether through unauthorized modifications or external treatments—could result in severe penalties, including disqualification. The investigation is expected to analyze tire wear patterns, chemical composition, and telemetry data to determine if Mercedes gained an illegal edge. Results may not be immediate, as forensic analysis of this nature can take days, leaving the Bahrain GP’s final standings in limbo.
This incident adds another layer of tension to the already fierce rivalry between Norris and Russell, two of Britain’s brightest F1 talents. Norris, leading the drivers’ championship by a single point over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, is under immense pressure to deliver McLaren’s first drivers’ title since 2008. Russell, meanwhile, is fighting 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 risks escalating personal animosities.
The paddock is no stranger to cheating allegations, with teams historically pushing the boundaries of technical regulations. Just last year, Red Bull faced scrutiny over a front-bib device, while McLaren modified a rear wing after FIA discussions. However, tire-related controversies are rare, given Pirelli’s centralized control over supply. If Mercedes is found guilty, it could trigger a broader probe into their processes, potentially affecting their season. Conversely, if Norris’s claims are unfounded, it may damage his credibility and McLaren’s reputation.
As the FIA digs deeper, the focus shifts to Jeddah, where the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix looms. For now, the Bahrain GP’s legacy is one of triumph tainted by suspicion. Piastri’s victory deserves celebration, but the unresolved question of Russell’s tires hangs heavy. Was it skill, strategy, or something sinister that kept Norris at bay? Only the investigation will tell, and the F1 world waits with bated breath for answers.
