On May 13, 2025, a remarkable development was revealed in the world of Formula 1. Six drivers from three different teams, including Red Bull Racing star Max Verstappen, collectively revealed a secret that could give McLaren an advantage in the 2025 season. It’s a supposed technical “trick” that would make the McLaren MCL39 faster and more efficient, thanks in part to a clever approach to braking and tire management. This revelation prompted a reaction from FIA boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who sent a clear message to the drivers involved, further increasing the tension in the championship.
The six drivers, from Red Bull Racing, Mercedes, and Ferrari, reportedly shared information on how McLaren manages to keep tires cooler during races, resulting in less wear and more consistent performance over long runs. Max Verstappen, who has struggled to match McLaren’s pace this season with his RB21 car, is believed to have played a key role in uncovering this tactic. According to inside sources, Red Bull reportedly collected footage of McLaren’s brakes using infrared cameras, which showed the British team using an innovative cooling technique. This technology is supposed to keep the brakes and tires at an ideal temperature even in difficult conditions, giving McLaren an advantage on circuits where tire management is crucial.
The other five drivers, including Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) and George Russell (Mercedes), reportedly confirmed these findings after their own observations during races and testing. Hamilton, who has struggled to return to form at Ferrari this year, said informally that he admired McLaren’s approach but also stressed that it harmed the fairness of the sport if everyone did not have access to such techniques. The partnership between these drivers from rival teams is unusual and suggests that McLaren’s dominance, which has won five of the six races this season, has created a sense of urgency.
FIA boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem was quick to respond to the revelation. In a message he sent to the six drivers, he called for transparency and warned that any irregularities would be thoroughly investigated. “The integrity of the sport is paramount,” Ben Sulayem wrote. “I expect all teams and drivers to respect the regulations, and we will not make any mistakes in monitoring the technologies used.” The news comes as the FIA is already under pressure following previous allegations made by Red Bull regarding McLaren’s rear wing and tire management, which were found to contain no violations after investigation. The new focus on braking technology could lead to a more thorough inspection at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
For Verstappen and his Red Bull team, this development represents an opportunity to close the gap to McLaren. Despite sitting third in the championship, just 12 points behind leader Oscar Piastri, Verstappen has repeatedly complained about his car’s limitations. He reportedly responded to Ben Sulayem’s post by saying he hoped for a level playing field, but remains skeptical about how quickly the FIA will act. Fans on social media are already speculating about a possible Red Bull update at Imola, which could make the RB21 more resilient to McLaren’s strategy.
McLaren team boss Zak Brown has yet to make an official comment, but sources within the team suggest they are confident in the legality of their approach. The team, which won the constructors’ title in 2024, appears determined to remain at the forefront of the competition again this year. At the same time, the situation raises questions about the balance between innovation and fairness in Formula 1. If the FIA does approve the technology, other teams could be forced to adapt their own cars, which could make the battle for the championship even more intense.
With tensions rising and the world’s eyes on McLaren, the 2025 Formula 1 season promises to take an unexpected turn. The upcoming races will be crucial to see if the reveal of the six drivers and the FIA’s response will change the sport’s hierarchy. Now it’s up to Verstappen and his rivals to adapt their strategies, while fans eagerly await the outcome of this technical duel.
