Formula 1 scandal! The McLaren stunt that rocks Red Bull and the paddock

Formula 1 2025 is on fire, and not just because of the on-track battles. A new chapter of technological intrigue has erupted following revelations about McLaren’s innovative braking system, which has left Red Bull and the rest of the grid agape. Under the headline “IT’S OVER!”, the world of motorsport is on the verge of a seismic shift, with McLaren at the center of controversy for its apparent dominance in tire management. But is this braking “trick” a stroke of genius or a maneuver on the edge of legality? Let’s unravel this drama that’s capturing fans’ attention.

McLaren, the master of tires

Since the start of the 2025 season, McLaren has proven itself the team to beat. Its MCL39, driven by Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, has particularly excelled in races with high temperatures and tire wear, such as the Miami Grand Prix, where they achieved a crushing 1-2 finish, leaving their rivals more than 30 seconds behind. The key to their success: almost magical tire management, described by team principal Andrea Stella as a “dark art” of engineering.

The focus of the controversy is on McLaren’s brake ducts. Thermal images obtained by Red Bull reportedly show unusual “cold spots” on the MCL39’s rear brake drums, suggesting that McLaren has found a way to keep the tires at optimal temperatures, preventing overheating. This discovery has sparked speculation and theories, ranging from the use of phase-change materials (PCM) to sophisticated aerodynamic designs that control airflow.

Red Bull fights back, but the FIA ​​gives its verdict

Red Bull boss Christian Horner hasn’t been sitting idly by. His team has been investigating, using thermal cameras to analyze McLaren’s tires during pit stops. Initially, Red Bull suggested that McLaren might be injecting water into the tires, a theory that was denied by Pirelli and the FIA ​​after extensive inspections. McLaren CEO Zak Brown even mocked these allegations in Miami, drinking from a bottle labeled “tire water” in 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 reports from The Race , no irregularities were found, and McLaren’s design was hailed as “simply brilliant.” However, a new theory has emerged, pointing to the possible use of phase-change materials that absorb and release thermal energy. Although fascinating, this idea was dismissed by the FIA, as the regulations explicitly prohibit such technologies for cooling brakes or tires.

A technological checkmate?

McLaren’s dominance lies not only in its brakes. Factors such as aerodynamics, suspension kinematics, and energy harvesting tactics also play a crucial role. However, the braking system has captured the paddock’s imagination. Red Bull, led by its technical director Pierre Waché, is already working on a McLaren-inspired design, with new cooling ducts and brake bell configurations that could debut at Imola. But copying isn’t that simple: the limited budget and the need to prepare for the 2026 cars complicate the task.

Meanwhile, McLaren continues its path undeterred. Stella has emphasized that its advantage is the result of years of development and not a single “trick.” With five wins in the first six races of 2025, the Woking team is in a position to secure both championships. But the question remains: can Red Bull, Ferrari, or Mercedes crack the McLaren enigma before it’s too late?

The impact on fans and social media

This scandal has ignited social media, with fans debating whether McLaren is an innovative genius or navigating a gray area of ​​the rules. Posts on X show the polarization: some praise McLaren’s creativity, while others, especially Red Bull fans, demand more clarity from the FIA. Zak Brown’s mockery and Horner’s intensity have generated memes and discussions that ensure this topic will continue to trend.

In a sport where details make the difference, McLaren has raised the bar. As the season moves toward the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, all eyes will be on Red Bull and their attempt to fight back. Will they unlock McLaren’s secret, or will the papaya team continue to dominate Formula 1? Share your opinion in the comments and join the conversation. The battle is far from over!