Lando Norris takes aim at Red Bull over FIA p… read more
McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris has strongly responded to recent accusations, reportedly raised by Red Bull, suggesting his team was involved in illegal tyre practices. The British driver dismissed the allegations as “nonsense” after the FIA conducted a full inspection and found no evidence of wrongdoing.
The controversy emerged after the Miami Grand Prix, where Oscar Piastri’s McLaren was among the top ten finishers selected for rigorous post-race scrutiny. Reports indicated that Red Bull had flagged concerns to the FIA, suspecting McLaren of exploiting illegal methods to cool tyres and brakes—such as injecting water to reduce temperatures. However, detailed investigations by the FIA into McLaren’s wheel components and technical compliance revealed nothing suspicious, ultimately clearing the team of any breach of regulations.
Speaking on F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, Norris did not hold back when addressing the claims. He sarcastically said, “You learn that in pre-school,” referring to the bizarre water-in-tyre theory. He continued, “It’s been very amusing seeing what people can come up with and just create out of nonsense.”
Norris acknowledged that McLaren’s recent success has attracted increased scrutiny and tougher checks, stating, “There’s been more rules, more inspections, and efforts to slow us down. But that’s just part of being at the top.” He implied that rival teams, particularly Red Bull, are attempting to undermine McLaren’s current form in the constructors’ championship. “When you get to the top, you have more people trying to drag you down, especially team vs. team,” Norris added.
The 25-year-old British driver noted that competitors often resort to strange and unfounded theories in their efforts to regain the upper hand. “Sometimes it’s individuals coming out with bizarre theories like water in the tyres or brake ducts. It means you’re doing a good job when others are trying so hard to find something wrong,” he concluded.
Following the FIA’s decision to clear McLaren of any foul play, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner addressed the matter. He suggested that such suspicions and technical questions are a normal part of the sport. “In Formula 1, there are always going to be questions raised. They did the same thing about our front suspension last year,” Horner said, referring to McLaren’s previous complaints against Red Bull.
Horner, who has experience dealing with scrutiny from the top, echoed Norris’ viewpoint. “It’s inevitable—when you’re leading, you come under more scrutiny. That’s part and parcel of Formula 1,” he admitted.
He also emphasized the role of teams in performing competitive analysis. “For the FIA, a lot of the groundwork is actually done by the teams because they have far more resources. All teams are constantly analyzing each other. That’s just how Formula 1 operates,” Horner concluded.
As McLaren continue their strong performance this season, this episode highlights how intense the off-track rivalries have become among F1’s top teams.
