The Formula 1 Paddock is again the scene of a heated controversy, this time between McLaren and Red Bull Racing. McLaren-CEO Zak Brown recently accused Red Bull team boss Christian Horner openly of copying the advanced braking system of the MCL39, the car that dominates the competition this season. What makes the situation even more intriguing is the unexpected intervention of the FIA, which takes the case seriously and has investigated. These developments have further increased the tensions between the two top teams and keep the Formula 1 world in their grip.

The McLaren MCL39 is the benchmark in Formula 1 this season, in particular thanks to the unparalleled tire management. Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have dominated races thanks to these car races, with an impressive 1-2 finish in Miami as the highlight. According to many, the secret behind this success lies in the innovative braking system of the MCL39, which keeps the tire temperatures exceptionally well under control. This system, with advanced air guidance channels in the brake drums, ensures that the Pirelli tires remain within the optimum temperature window, resulting in less wear and better grip. Red Bull, which is struggling to keep track of McLaren, has tried to copy this system according to Brown to improve their RB21.

Brown’s accusations are not new. Since the beginning of the 2025 season, Red Bull has asked questions about the legality of the MCL39, in particular about tire management. Earlier this year, Red Bull McLaren accused it to use water in the tires to regulate the temperature, a claim that was invalidated by the FIA ​​and Pirelli. Now the suspicion focuses on the braking system. According to messages, Red Bull used heat cameras during the Miami Grand Prix to analyze the MCL39, where they observe remarkably cool zones around the brake drums. This led to speculation that McLaren would have applied illegal innovation, although the FIA ​​found no irregularities after repeated checks.

Brown, who was fed up with Red Bull’s constant accusations, escalated the situation by directly accusing Horner of stealing McLarens technology. During a press conference in Imola, Brown stated: “Red Bull studied and tried to copy them our braking system designs. This is not just about competition, but about ethics.” He pointed out the update that Red Bull introduced to Imola, which, according to him, is suspected of McLarens braking system. Brown challenged Red Bull to submit an official protest to the FIA, but suggested that such protests should cost a high fine to discourage unfounded accusations, an idea that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem supports.

The FIAs intervention is striking. Instead of ignoring the case, the Motorsportbond has announced that it would start a thorough investigation into both McLarens braking system and Red Bulls updates. This follows Brown’s call for transparency and sanctions against unfounded complaints. The FIA ​​even visited the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes to inspect their designs, a step that is unusual in Formula 1. This has led to speculation that the FIA ​​may have found evidence that Red Bull has indeed taken over elements of McLarens system, although no official conclusions have yet been published.

The rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull is not only technical, but also politically charged. Brown has accused Red Bull of overloading the FIA ​​with questions to destabilize McLaren, while Horner says that his team is only trying to understand why McLaren is so dominant. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has mixed in the conflict by supporting McLaren, emphasizing that Brown’s team operates within the rules. In the meantime, Max Verstappen, Red Bulls star rider, remains focused on racing, but he admitted that McLarens’s lead on the track is difficult to bridge without significant upgrades.

For Formula 1 fans, this Saga is a fascinating mix of technology, rivalry and politics. McLarens Dominance has revived the sport, but the accusations and investigations threaten to overshadow the performance of Norris and Piastri. While the FIA ​​continues its research, the Formula 1 world holds its breath. Will Red Bull be punished, or will McLaren be acquitted again? One thing is certain: this battle goes beyond the job and will influence the relationships in the paddock for a long time.