In an unexpected turn during the Formula 1 season of 2025, Christian Horner, the team boss of Red Bull Racing, made a striking statement that shook the paddock to its foundations. With just five words-“they have not adjusted the front wing”-he pointed to a possible advantage of McLaren’s MCL39, which according to him would not be in accordance with the recent adjustments in the FIA ​​regulations. This statement caused a wave of speculation and discussion, especially since McLaren has proven to be a dominant force on the circuit this season. Horner’s words, expressed after the Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna, have not only attracted the attention of the media, but also of the Fia itself, who was forced to respond.

The 2025 season has so far been a roller coaster for Formula 1 fans, with McLaren who has shown an unprecedented speed and consistency. The MCL39, controlled by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, has dominated races, in particular in Miami, where Piastri achieved an impressive lead of forty seconds on Max Verstappen. These achievements have led to admiration, but also to suspicion in competing teams, in particular Red Bull. Horner’s comments suggest that McLaren may have found a Maas in the law, specifically with regard to the front wing of the MCL39, which he believes that he does not meet the new technical guidelines that the FIA ​​introduced just before the Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna.

The FIA, led by chairman Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has responded quickly to the allegations. In an official statement, the motorsport federation emphasized that all cars, including the MCL39, are thoroughly checked for conformity with the regulations. Ben Sulayem pointed out that the recent changes in the technical guidelines, which relate, among other things, to the flexibility of the front wing and the management of tire temperatures, intended to guarantee a level playing field. He denied that McLaren has obtained any form of benefit through non-compliant parts. “Our inspections are rigorous and transparent. McLaren has met all the requirements,” he said, with which he tried to dampen the speculation.

Nevertheless, Horner’s words started the rumor mill in the paddock. Red Bull, which has difficulty keeping up with McLaren’s speed this season, seems determined to put the performance of their rivals under a magnifying glass. Earlier this year, Red Bull McLaren accused the use of a trick with the rims to control tire temperatures, a claim that was investigated and rejected by the FIA ​​due to lack of evidence. Horner’s recent statements about the front wing seem to be a continuation of this strategy to put pressure on both McLaren and the FIA. His comments suggest that Red Bull believes that McLaren’s speed is partly due to an interpretation of the rules that the boundaries set out.

McLaren himself has responded calmly to the allegations. Team boss Zak Brown rejected the accusations and challenged Red Bull to submit an official complaint if they actually have proof of rule violations. “We operate entirely within the rules and focus on developing the best car,” said Brown in Miami. He emphasized that the MCL39’s speed is the result of hard work and innovation, not of rule manipulation. McLaren has not hurt this self -assured attitude, given their consistent performance on different circuits this season.

The discussion about the front wing raises a broader question about Formula 1: How far can teams go in interpreting the technical regulations? The sport has a long history of teams that push the limits of the rules, which often leads to innovations but also to controversies. In the past, Horner himself has argued for more freedom in the interpretation of the regulations, as he indicated in 2024 with regard to the regulations for 2026. His current criticism of McLaren, however, seems like a strategic move to draw attention to the performance of competition, while Red Bull is struggling to regain their former dominance.

While the season continues, the Monaco Grand Prix will probably offer more clarity. If McLaren excels there again, the speculations about their alleged line benefits will only increase. For now, Formula 1 paddock continues to be tension, while Horner’s five words continue to re-owl: a subtle but powerful attempt to influence the dynamics of the championship.