The Formula 1 Paddock is full of tension after an unprecedented escalation in the rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull. McLaren-CEO Zak Brown has revealed technical details about the tire and brake temperatures of the MCL39 in an unusual step, in an attempt to refute the repeated accusations of Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. Horner, who has been suggesting for months that McLaren is breaking the rules with their tire management, reacted furiously with five powerful words: “This is a scandalous distraction!” This exchange of words, which took place during the Racing weekend in Miami in May 2025, has further focused the already tense relationship between the two teams.

The core of the conflict lies in Red Bulls claims that McLaren uses illegal methods to regulate the tire temperatures of the MCL39, in particular by injecting water into the tires. These allegations, which showed up for the first time during the Grand Prix of Brazil in 2024, led to an FIA investigation that released McLaren of any violation. Despite this statement, Horner continued to fool the issue, supported by heat camera images that, according to him, show that McLarens brake system remains cooler than that of other teams, which would affect the tire temperatures. These images, which Red Bull shared via Netflix ’Drive to Survive, provided a new wave of speculation in the Paddock.

Zak Brown, who clearly had enough of the insinuations, decided to take the glove. In an interview with Auto, Motor und Sport, he revealed detailed information about how McLaren optimizes the tire and brake temperatures of the MCL39. “Our brakes remain warm where necessary, and the tires remain cool due to advanced thermal management, entirely within the lines,” said Brown. He emphasized that McLaren’s success comes from innovative engineering, such as improved air flows around the brake channels and an optimized suspension, and not from illegal practices. This openness was intended to disprove the accusations and force the FIA ​​to oblige Red Bull to evidence.

Hornes reaction did not take long. During a press conference in Miami, he called Brown’s statements “a scandalous distraction” and suggested that McLaren is trying to divert attention from their “suspicious” performance. He pointed to the warm conditions in Miami, where McLaren again excelled in tire management, while Red Bulls RB21 was struggling with overheating. “If they are so sure of their business, let them stop these PR stunts and let the FIA ​​do the work,” added Horner. His frustration reflects Red Bulls wider struggle to keep McLarens pace, especially now that the MCL39 is supplying the constructors’ championship in 2025.

Brown’s revelations have resulted in mixed reactions. Some experts, such as F1 journalist Michael Schmidt, praised McLarens transparency, but warned that giving up technical details such as Red Bull can help improve their own systems. Others, including Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, supported McLaren. “Zak and his team work within the lines. This is innovation, not cheating,” said Wolff, referring to McLarens ability to keep the Pirelli tires alive longer. Wolff even suggested that Red Bull’s complaints are a sign of their own technical shortcomings.

The Saga exposes a deeper problem in Formula 1: the thin line between innovation and control. McLaren’s approach, which leans strongly on data analysis and thermal management, is seen by many as a masterpiece of modern engineering. Yet the question remains whether Brown’s openness was a strategic master move or a risky gamble. By sharing technical secrets, he has challenged Red Bull to come up with concrete evidence, but he may also have given away valuable insights. Horner, for his part, seems determined not to let the issue rest, with rumors that Red Bull is considering a formal protest, despite the high costs that Brown proposed for unfounded complaints.

While the battle on the circuit continues, with McLaren and Red Bull who do not give each other an inch space, the paddock remains under the spell of this drama. The FIA ​​is under pressure to draw a clear line, while fans and analysts speculate about the next move in this heated rivalry. What started as a technical discussion has become a personal feud between Brown and Horner, with the future of the championship as a commitment. For the time being, McLaren seems to have the advantage, both on the circuit and in the PR war, but in Formula 1 nothing is ever certain.