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3d ago

McLaren's Dominance in F1 Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Tyre-Cooling Allegations

Red Bull raises questions about McLaren's tyre management methods, but FIA and Pirelli affirm robust detection systems while rivals debate legitimacy.

Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 4, 2025 McLaren's Oscar Piastri celebrates with champagne on the podium after winning the Miami Grand Prix alongside second placed McLaren's Lando Norris and McLaren Chief Marketing Officer Louise McEwen REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 4, 2025 Red Bull team principal Christian Horner arrives before the race REUTERS/Ricardo Arduengo

Overview

  • McLaren has won five of the first six races in the 2025 F1 season, including a dominant one-two finish at the Miami Grand Prix.
  • Red Bull has suggested McLaren may be using banned water-cooling methods for their rear tyres, a claim McLaren dismisses as unfounded.
  • McLaren CEO Zak Brown mocked the allegations during the Miami GP weekend by drinking from a bottle labeled 'Tire Water' and challenged rivals to file formal protests if they believe rules are being broken.
  • The FIA and tyre supplier Pirelli maintain that any illegal tyre-cooling methods would be easily detectable under current inspection protocols.
  • Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff defended McLaren's tyre management as legitimate and attributed their success to strong technical development starting with updates introduced two years ago.