Max Verstappen upset the world of Formula 1 with a daring declaration concerning the last evolution of the Red Bull RB21, which he affirms more effective than the controversial McLaren McL39, which he described as “illegal”. In an interview granted after the Canada Grand Prix on June 15, 2025 (GPFans.com, June 17, 2025), Verstappen spoke of the impact of the recent modifications made by Red Bull, which will finally allow the RB21 to compete with McLaren in the race. These comments come after a season when McLaren, led by Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, dominated, in particular thanks to a flexible rear fin, criticized for infractions presumed to the regulations. Verstappen’s comments revive the rivalry and highlight the technical advances of Red Bull before the next Austrian Grand Prix.

The RB21 struggled to follow the McLaren MCL39 in 2025, especially in terms of tire management and racing rhythm. McLaren’s superiority was obvious during races like Miami, where Piastri and Norris obtained a double, while Verstappen finished 40 seconds behind (Motorsport.com, May 6, 2025). A key advantage of McLaren lived in its innovative rear fin, which had already aroused controversy in 2024 due to a “mini-drs” effect outside the authorized areas (thejudge13.com, March 2, 2025). Although the FIA ​​has introduced new rules for 2025 to prohibit this phenomenon, on -board images from Bahrain suggested that the McLaren wing was flexed even more than expected, which aroused protests from Red Bull. Verstappen called this “illegal” technology and expressed his frustration in the face of the slowness of the FIA ​​reaction (GP33.nl, June 16, 2025).

In Canada, however, Verstappen showed that Red Bull was gaining ground. His second place behind George Russell, ahead of Piastri (fourth) and Norris (abandonment), marked the first time since Imola that he beat the two pilots McLaren (GPFans.com, June 17, 2025). The RB21 has benefited from a small but crucial improvement: a modified configuration of the brake bell and cooling conduits, inspired by the design of McLaren (The Race, May 13, 2025). This adjustment, which reduces heat transfer to tires, has considerably improved tire management. Verstappen noted: “The improvement works better than expected. We now have a more stable car, especially in the race. He pointed out that McLaren’s advantage in tire wear, especially on tire tires like Canada, was less important than before (Motorsport.com, June 17, 2025).

The controversy around McLaren’s rear wing is a hot topic. Red Bull’s technical director Pierre Waché tabled an official protest after the tests in Bahrain, supported by thermal images showing “cold points” in McLaren’s brake drums, suggesting advanced thermal management (Motorsport.com, May 8, 2025). Although the FIA ​​has declared the legal McLaren car after Miami, Red Bull continues to put pressure for stricter controls. The use of the word “illegal” by Verstappen seems to be a strategic attack aimed at putting pressure on the FIA ​​and undermining McLaren’s psychological advantage. On X, many fans support Verstappen, with comments such as: “McLaren plays dirty, the FIA ​​must intervene!” »(@F1insider, June 16, 2025). Others defend McLaren, highlighting his constant performances without breaking any rule.

French the upgrading of the RB21, which started with a revised pontoon and flat bottom in Imola and Miami (RacingNews365, May 19, 2025), improved Red Bull’s racing pace. Christian Horner stressed that IMOLA improvements have enabled RB21 to surpass McLaren in tire management for the first time since 2024 (PlanetF1.com, May 19, 2025). In Canada, Verstappen’s tire management has resisted the faster Mercedes of Russell, a sign that Red Bull’s “jump of faith” with braking technology inspired by McLaren bears fruit (F1Oversteer.com, May 13, 2025). Nevertheless, Verstappen warns that the title struggle is not immediately open: “We must win more regularly. McLaren is always strong, especially on the hot slopes ”(De Telegraaf, June 16, 2025).

Expectations are high for the Austrian Grand Prix, the Red Bull National Circuit. New parts, including an optimized rear suspension, are expected (RacingNews365, June 17, 2025). Verstappen’s confidence, especially after Canada, where he has retained his position despite a five -second penalty due to the safety car (GP33.nl, June 16, 2025). However, with eleven penalty points on his license, he remains cautious (F1Maximaal.nl, June 3, 2025). Dutch supporters, who came en masse to Spielberg, hope for a victory. Verstappen’s message – according to which the improvements made by Red Bull compensate for the “illegal” advantage of McLaren – gives hope, but the battle is far from over. While McLaren’s domination is questioned, Austria will show if Red Bull can really reduce the gap.