Scandal in Formula 1! McLaren’s scheme shakes Red Bull and the Paddock

Formula 1 2025 is in full swing, and not just because of the on-track battles. A new chapter of technological intrigue has emerged following revelations about McLaren’s groundbreaking braking system that have left Red Bull and the rest of the grid speechless. Under the headline “IT’S OVER!”, the world of motorsport is on the brink of a radical shake-up, with McLaren at the centre of a controversy over its apparent dominance in tyre management. But is this braking “trick” a stroke of genius or a maneuver bordering on legality? Let’s unravel the drama that has captivated fans.

McLaren, the tire master

Since the start of the 2025 season, McLaren has proven itself to be the team to beat. Its MCL39, driven by Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, has particularly excelled in races with high temperatures and tyre wear, such as the Miami Grand Prix, where it achieved a stunning one-two finish, leaving its rivals more than 30 seconds behind. The key to its success: an almost magical tyre management, described by team principal Andrea Stella as a “dark art” of engineering.

The controversy revolves around McLaren’s brake ducts. Thermal imaging obtained by Red Bull reportedly reveals unusual cold spots on the MCL39’s rear brake drums, suggesting that McLaren may have found a way to keep the tires at an optimal temperature and thus prevent overheating. This discovery has sparked speculation and theories, ranging from the use of phase change materials (PCMs) to sophisticated aerodynamic designs that control airflow.

Red Bull hits back, but FIA gives its verdict

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner did not sit idly by. His team investigated, using thermal imaging cameras to analyse McLaren’s tyres during pit stops. Initially, Red Bull suggested that McLaren might have been injecting water into the tyres, a theory that was dismissed by Pirelli and the FIA ​​after extensive inspections. McLaren CEO Zak Brown even mocked the allegations in Miami by drinking from a bottle labelled “tyre water”, a gesture that went viral.

Following the Miami Grand Prix, the FIA ​​conducted a detailed inspection of McLaren’s braking system. The result: everything was in order. According to   The Race   , no irregularities were found, and McLaren’s design was hailed as “simply brilliant.” However, a new theory has emerged suggesting the possible use of phase change materials that absorb and release heat energy. While intriguing, this idea was rejected by the FIA, as the regulations explicitly prohibit such technologies for cooling brakes or tires.

A technological checkmate?

McLaren’s dominance doesn’t just lie in the brakes. Factors such as aerodynamics, suspension kinematics and energy recovery also play a crucial role. However, the braking system has captured the imagination of the paddock. Red Bull, under the leadership of its technical director Pierre Waché, is already working on a McLaren-inspired design, with new cooling duct configurations and brake bells, which could debut at Imola. But copying is not so simple: the limited budget and the need to prepare the 2026 cars complicate the task.

McLaren, meanwhile, remain undeterred. Stella stressed that their advantage is the result of years of development and not just a “gimmick”. With five wins from the first six races of 2025, the Woking team is in a position to clinch both championships. But the question remains: can Red Bull, Ferrari or Mercedes crack McLaren’s puzzle before it’s too late?

The impact on fans and social media

The scandal has ignited social media, with fans debating whether McLaren is an innovative genius or whether it operates in a regulatory grey area. X’s posts illustrate the polarisation: some praise McLaren’s creativity, while others, particularly Red Bull fans, demand more clarity from the FIA. Zak Brown’s mockery and Horner’s intensity have spawned memes and discussions that have ensured the issue remains a hot topic.

In a sport where the details make all the difference, McLaren has raised the bar. As the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Red Bull as they attempt to strike back. Can they crack McLaren’s secret or will Team Papaya continue to dominate Formula 1? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation. The battle is far from over!