The Formula 1 Paddock is now buzzing with tension now Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff have jointly called on the FIA ​​to examine the McLaren cars of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri before the Grand Prix of Austria. The suspicions focus on the exceptional tire performance of the MCL39, which McLaren has catapulted to the vanguard of the championship this season. However, both team bosses were surprised by the response of the FIA, which after repeated checks did not establish any irregularities, which only increases the speculations. With the race on the Red Bull Ring at the door, where Max Verstappen triumphed five times, this promises to be a new chapter in the rivalry between the top teams.

The controversy started earlier this season, when Red Bull asked McLaren’s Tire Management, especially after the Miami Grand Prix. According to Racingnews365, Red Bull McLaren accused the use of water in the tires, a practice that would regulate the temperature of the rubber and thus improve performance. McLaren-CEO Zak Brown reacted mockingly by drinking during a free practice from a bottle with the text “Tire Water”, which continues the tensions. Red Bull even conducted his own research with heat imaging cameras to analyze McLaren’s tire and brake temperatures, but the FIA ​​ruled after several inspections that the MCL39 is completely legal. Horner excluded illegal practices, but emphasized to GP33 that McLaren’s lead in tire management is “almost incredible”.

Toto Wolff, normally a rival of Horner, surprisingly, Red Bull’s call for further investigation, but with a nuance. In an interview with Racingnews365 he praised McLaren’s integrity and the skill of team boss Andrea Stella and technical director Rob Marshall. “I don’t doubt their honesty,” said Wolff, “but their tire management is so good that asking calls.” He suggested that McLaren simply understood better how the Pirelli tires work, which he believes is completely legal. Yet he insisted on the transparency of the FIA ​​to remove any doubt. The surprise then came, despite the pressure of both team bosses, the FIA ​​decided not to take an initial action for Austria, a decision that Horner and Wolff labeled as “unexpected”.

The speculations around McLaren’s performance are not new. Last year the flexible front wing of the MCL38 already led to discussions, but after research by the FIA, no violation was established at the time. In Imola this year, the FIA ​​introduced technical guidelines on wheel constructions and tire treatment, reportedly after complaints from Red Bull. According to The-Race, it was a clarification of the rules, not a change of rule, and McLaren denied that their car was being adjusted. Nevertheless, the focus remains on McLaren’s brake drums, which, according to Verstappen in Miami, remain remarkably cool, preventing overheating of the rear tires. McLaren has helped this technical benefit to dominate races, with Piastri as a close attacker of Verstappen in the championship.

The Grand Prix of Austria, where McLaren performed strongly last year, will become a crucial test. Verstappen, who made a catch -up in Canada after a difficult race in Monaco, leads the championship with a 49 points lead over Piastri. However, his eleven penalty points bring him close to a suspension, which increases the pressure on Red Bull. Horner’s call for research seems partly strategic, intended to disturb McLaren’s Momentum. Wolff’s support for this arouses surprise, given his rivalry with Horner, but insiders suggest that Mercedes hopes for a technical opening to gain ground. Posts on X show a divided fan base: some see it as an attempt to sabotage McLaren, while others argue for stricter checks.

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella reacted calmly and emphasized that his team is open to inspections. “We have nothing to hide,” he told GP33. Norris, who challenged in Miami Verstappen but took no win, remains focused on the race. However, the FIA’s decision not to do an additional investigation before Austria did not have the minds. With the technical struggle that is just as intense as it on the track, the Grand Prix of Austria promises to be a spectacle. While Horner and Wolff express their surprise, McLaren continues undisturbed, ready to prove that their speed is pure talent and innovation. Formula 1 remains a sport where rivalry and technology go hand in hand, and this Saga underlines that again.