The world of Formula 1 is in turmoil ahead of the 2025 season, which kicks off in just a few days with the Australian Grand Prix. A week before the official opening, an unexpected controversy is already rocking the paddocks: the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion who joined the Italian team this winter, is the subject of an investigation by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The reason for this investigation? A complaint filed by Red Bull, the Austrian team that seems unwilling to let its rivals take the lead without reacting. This twist promises an explosive season from the very first laps.
According to reports from several specialist media outlets, Red Bull has submitted an official dossier to the FIA, accusing Ferrari and McLaren—the two teams vying to challenge their dominance—of violating technical regulations. Specifically, the team led by Christian Horner is reportedly pointing the finger at the design of the 2025 cars’ rear wings, suspected of exceeding the flexibility limits allowed by the regulations. This controversy is not new: last season, similar suspicions emerged, notably after footage showed a McLaren rear wing flexing under aerodynamic load in Baku. The FIA ​​then tightened its controls, but no major violations were found.
This time, Red Bull seems determined to follow through with its accusations. According to the Italian website *Formula Uno Analisi Tecnica*, the Austrian team has demanded a thorough inspection of Ferrari’s Maranello and McLaren’s Woking facilities before the start of the season. Such an approach, however aggressive, reflects the intensity of Formula 1 competition, where every technical detail can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
For Ferrari, this complaint comes at a key moment. The arrival of Lewis Hamilton, after more than a decade at Mercedes, has generated unprecedented excitement. The Briton, who is aiming for an eighth world title to surpass Michael Schumacher’s record, impressed during pre-season testing in Bahrain, finishing among the fastest. But could this investigation jeopardize his debut in red? Ferrari, confident, categorically rejects Red Bull’s allegations. According to Italian sources, the team is ready to demonstrate that its wings scrupulously comply with FIA standards.
McLaren, for its part, has remained silent for now. The British team, which won the constructors’ championship in 2024 under Lando Norris, had already had to adjust its DRS system after discussions with the FIA ​​last year. This new complaint raises questions: is this simply an attempt to destabilize Red Bull, or is there a genuine technical basis behind these accusations?
This conflict highlights the fierce rivalry that drives modern Formula 1. Red Bull, after losing its grip on the Constructors’ Championship last year to McLaren, appears intent on regaining control from the get-go. The Austrian team, led by four-time champion Max Verstappen, has had a mixed pre-season test, marked by technical issues with the RB21. This complaint could be interpreted as a strategy to distract from their own struggles while putting pressure on their rivals.
For Lewis Hamilton, this case adds a layer of drama to an already high-profile transition. During testing in Bahrain, he showed remarkable ease behind the wheel of his new Ferrari SF-25, even outperforming his former teammate George Russell. But beyond his performances, it’s his charisma and determination that captivate fans. At 40, Hamilton wants to prove he remains at the top of his game, and this investigation could paradoxically strengthen his motivation.
The FIA, now under pressure, will have to make a decision quickly. High-definition cameras will be installed on the cars during the Australian Grand Prix to monitor the wings’ behavior in real time. At the same time, visits to the Ferrari and McLaren factories are planned to verify design compliance. If irregularities are detected, sanctions could range from simple technical adjustments to more severe penalties—a scenario no one wants to see at the start of the season.
In any case, this episode confirms that the 2025 season will be anything but dull. Between Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, McLaren’s rise to power, and Red Bull’s undiminished ambitions, the technical and sporting rivalries promise a thrilling spectacle. Fans, meanwhile, are holding their breath: will the first race at Albert Park already reveal who has the advantage, or will this legal drama steal the spotlight from the drivers? One thing is certain: in Formula 1, the drama is never confined to the track.
