The Formula 1 paddock is abuzz with drama following the latest developments in the ongoing rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull.

On May 10, 2025, the FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, issued a statement responding to allegations made by McLaren regarding Red Bull’s alleged use of illegal technical advantages, specifically relating to a front BIB disclosure device on Red Bull’s RB20 car.

The controversy, which has dominated headlines, took an intriguing turn when reports surfaced that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown were once close friends, adding a personal layer to the unfolding saga.

The dispute began when McLaren raised concerns about Red Bull’s front slab bumper, a mechanism that could potentially allow ride height changes during Parc Fermé conditions, a clear breach of F1 regulations. The FIA ​​investigated and, ahead of the 2024 United States Grand Prix, deployed SEALs to prevent such modifications, stating there was no evidence Red Bull was operating the device illegally. However, McLaren, led by Brown, demanded a deeper probe into whether Red Bull had used the device in previous races, arguing that such a breach could have given Red Bull a significant performance advantage. The FIA, led by Ben Sulayem, rejected this call, with Nikolas Tombazi, head of single-seater affairs, declaring the case closed. This decision led to frustration from McLaren, with Brown publicly questioning the FIA’s transparency and thoroughness.

Adding fuel to the fire, McLaren’s recent dominance in the 2025 season – leading the constructors’ championship and challenging Red Bull’s Max Verstappen with Lando Norris – has intensified the rivalry. Red Bull retaliated by accusing McLaren of using illegal tyre-cooling methods, specifically injecting water into tyres to manage temperatures, a practice Red Bull claimed to have experimented with before it was banned. The FIA, alongside tyre supplier Pirelli, investigated the claims in Brazil in 2024 and found no evidence of wrongdoing. McLaren’s Andrea Stella dismissed the allegations as “a very straightforward matter” involving a sensor hole that was closed following FIA clarification, while Brown took a jab at Red Bull by drinking from a bottle labelled “Tyre Water” during practice in Miami.

The FIA’s response to McLaren’s latest allegations came on May 10, 2025, when Ben Sulayem backed Brown’s proposal to introduce a financial deterrent for frivolous protests, suggesting a deposit as high as $50,000 to discourage unfounded complaints. The move was seen as a conciliatory gesture towards McLaren, but it also highlighted the complex relationship between Ben Sulayem and Brown. Sources revealed that the two were once close friends, having forged a bond during Brown’s early years in motorsport marketing and Ben Sulayem’s tenure as a rally driver and motorsport official. Their friendship, though reportedly cooled in recent years due to their professional roles, has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits, with some at X speculating about potential bias in the FIA’s rulings.

Despite the personal history, the FIA ​​has maintained its stance of impartiality. Ben Sulayem stressed the need for evidence-based complaints, stating: “You can’t just accuse someone without a written complaint and that protest, you have to pay money.” This echoes Brown’s calls for transparency, as he has repeatedly urged the FIA ​​to handle investigations openly in order to maintain the integrity of the sport. The McLaren CEO’s outspoken criticism of Red Bull, including labelling their 2022 budget cap breach as ‘cheating’, has kept tensions high, with Red Bull’s Christian Horner dismissing McLaren’s accusations as “sour grapes”.

The Red Bull-McLaren feud, now centred around flexi-wings, tyre-cooling gimmicks and BIB adjusters, underlines the fierce competition heading into F1’s 2025 season. McLaren’s Norris and Oscar Piastri-driven MCL39 has been a highlight, but Red Bull’s suspicions – bounced back by thermal imaging cameras at pit stops – will give the teams an edge. For fans, the on-track drama is as gripping as the racing, with posts on X reflecting divided sentiment, with some praising Brown’s courage, while others question the FIA’s handling of disputes.

As the season progresses, the FIA’s ability to navigate these allegations while maintaining fairness will be crucial. Ben Sulayem and Brown’s past friendship adds a human element to the high-stakes battle, but both men appear focused on their professional duties. For now, McLaren and Red Bull continue their championship fight, with the paddock eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this compelling saga.