Max Verstappen has shaken up the Formula 1 world with a bold statement about the latest upgrade to the Red Bull RB21, which he claims is more effective than the controversial McLaren MCL39, which he has branded “illegal”. In an interview after the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15, 2025 ( GPFans.com , June 17, 2025), Verstappen hinted at the impact of Red Bull’s recent tweaks, which will finally allow the RB21 to challenge McLaren’s dominant race pace. The comments come after a season in which McLaren, led by Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, has dominated, thanks in part to a flexible rear wing that has come under fire for alleged rule violations. Verstappen’s comments reignite the rivalry and put the spotlight on Red Bull’s technical advancements ahead of the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix.

The RB21 struggled to keep up with McLaren’s MCL39 in 2025, particularly in tyre management and race pace. McLaren’s superiority was evident in races such as Miami, where Piastri and Norris secured a 1-2 finish, while Verstappen finished 40 seconds behind ( Motorsport.com , May 6, 2025). A key McLaren advantage lay in their innovative rear wing, which had already caused controversy in 2024 due to a “mini-DRS” effect outside the permitted zones ( thejudge13.com , March 2, 2025). Although the FIA ​​introduced new rules for 2025 to ban this, onboard footage from Bahrain suggested that McLaren’s wing was still flexing more than expected, leading to protests from Red Bull. Verstappen called the technology “illegal” and expressed frustration at the FIA’s slow response ( GP33.nl , June 16, 2025).

In Canada, however, Verstappen showed that Red Bull is gaining ground. His second place behind George Russell, ahead of Piastri (fourth) and Norris (DNF), marked the first time since Imola that he has beaten both McLaren drivers ( GPFans.com , June 17, 2025). The RB21 benefited from a small but crucial upgrade: a modified brake bell configuration and cooling ducts, inspired by McLaren’s design ( The Race , May 13, 2025). This adjustment, which reduces heat transfer to the tires, significantly improved tire management. Verstappen noted: “The upgrade works better than expected. We now have a more stable car, especially in races.” He pointed out that McLaren’s advantage in tire wear, especially on rear-tyre-sensitive circuits like Canada, was less significant than before ( Motorsport.com , June 17, 2025).

The McLaren rear wing controversy remains a hot topic. Red Bull technical director Pierre Waché filed a formal protest after testing in Bahrain, backed by thermal images showing “cold spots” in McLaren’s brake drums, suggesting advanced heat management ( Motorsport.com , May 8, 2025). Although the FIA ​​declared McLaren’s car legal after Miami, Red Bull continues to push for stricter controls. Verstappen’s use of the word “illegal” appears to be a strategic jab, aimed at putting pressure on the FIA ​​and undermining McLaren’s psychological edge. On X, many fans are backing Verstappen, with comments such as: “McLaren is playing dirty, the FIA ​​needs to step in!” (@F1Insider, June 16, 2025). Others are defending McLaren, pointing to their consistent performance without breaking any rules.

The RB21’s upgrade, which began with a revised sidepod and floor in Imola and Miami ( RacingNews365 , May 19, 2025), has improved Red Bull’s race pace. Christian Horner highlighted that the Imola upgrades made the RB21 better than McLaren in tyre management for the first time since 2024 ( PlanetF1.com , May 19, 2025). In Canada, Verstappen’s tyre management held up against the faster Mercedes of Russell, a sign that Red Bull’s “leap of faith” with McLaren-inspired braking technology is paying off ( F1Oversteer.com , May 13, 2025). Still, Verstappen cautions that the title fight is not immediately open: “We have to win more consistently. McLaren is still strong, especially on hot tracks” ( De Telegraaf , June 16, 2025).

Expectations are high for the Austrian Grand Prix, Red Bull’s home circuit. New parts, including an optimized rear suspension, are expected ( RacingNews365 , June 17, 2025). Verstappen’s confidence is growing, especially after Canada, where he maintained his position despite a five-second safety car penalty ( GP33.nl , June 16, 2025). However, with eleven penalty points on his license, he remains cautious ( F1Maximaal.nl , June 3, 2025). The Dutch fans, who travel en masse to Spielberg, are hoping for a victory. Verstappen’s message – that Red Bull’s upgrades outweigh McLaren’s “illegal” advantage – gives hope, but the battle is far from over. As McLaren’s dominance is challenged, Austria will show whether Red Bull can actually close the gap.