On May 13, 2025, a remarkable development came to light 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 edge in the 2025 season. It concerns an alleged technical ‘trick’ that would make the McLaren MCL39 car faster and more efficient, in particular through a clever approach to braking and tire management. The revelation has prompted a response 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, hailing from Red Bull Racing, Mercedes and Ferrari, have reportedly shared information on how McLaren manages to keep the tyres cooler during races, resulting in less wear and more consistent performance over long stints. Max Verstappen, who has struggled to keep up with McLaren’s pace this season in his RB21 car, is said to have played a key role in exposing the tactic. According to insiders, Red Bull used infrared cameras to gather footage of McLaren’s brakes, which revealed that the British outfit uses an innovative cooling technique. The technique is said to keep the brakes and tyres at an ideal temperature even in tough conditions, giving McLaren an advantage at circuits where tyre management is crucial.

The other five drivers, including Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes’ George Russell, are said to have confirmed the findings after their own observations during races and tests. Hamilton, who has struggled to find form at Ferrari this year, said informally that he admired McLaren’s methods but also stressed that it harmed fairness in the sport if such techniques were not available to everyone. The collaboration between these rival drivers is unusual and suggests that the dominance of McLaren, 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 sent to the six drivers, he called for transparency and warned that any irregularities would be rigorously investigated. “The integrity of the sport is paramount,” Ben Sulayem wrote. “I expect all teams and drivers to abide by the regulations, and we will not let any mistakes be made in checking the technologies used.” The message comes at a time when the FIA ​​is already under pressure following previous allegations made by Red Bull about McLaren’s rear wing and tire management, which were investigated and found to yield no violations. The new focus on braking technology could lead to a thorough inspection at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.

For Verstappen and his Red Bull team, this development is an opportunity to close the gap to McLaren. Despite his third place in the championship, just twelve points behind leader Oscar Piastri, Verstappen has repeatedly complained about the limitations of his car. He is said to have responded to Ben Sulayem’s message by saying that he hopes for a level playing field, but he remains sceptical about the speed at which the FIA ​​will act. Fans on social media are already speculating about a possible update from Red Bull in Imola, which could make the RB21 more resistant to McLaren’s strategy.

McLaren team principal Zak Brown has yet to officially 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 stay ahead of the competition this year as well. 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 modify their own cars, which could intensify the battle for the championship.

With tensions mounting and the eyes of the world on McLaren, the 2025 Formula 1 season promises to take an unexpected turn. The coming races will be crucial to see whether the unveiling of the six drivers and the FIA’s response will change the sport’s hierarchy. Verstappen and his rivals will now have to adjust their strategies as fans eagerly await the outcome of this technical duel.