Red Bull’s Christian Horner responds to tire-cooling controversy, saying McLaren’s rise invites scrutiny, just as Red Bull once faced.
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has responded to McLaren and CEO Zak Brown, saying that scrutiny is inevitable at the front of the grid, especially when a team is winning.
The comments come in the wake of renewed allegations during the Miami Grand Prix weekend that McLaren may be using a water-based method to cool its tires, a practice strictly prohibited under Formula 1’s technical regulations. In a pointed gesture, Brown was seen drinking from a water bottle labeled “Tire Water”, a not-so-subtle jab at the rumors Red Bull has reportedly circulated behind the scenes.
Both the FIA and Pirelli have confirmed that any attempt to use water for tire cooling would be easily detectable. The FIA launched a detailed inspection of the MCL39’s brake cooling systems during the Miami event and found no evidence of wrongdoing.
“Look, in Formula 1, there will always be questions,” Horner said, responding to Brown’s challenge to either lodge a formal protest or stop airing suspicions in the media.
“McLaren did the exact same thing with our front suspension last year. It’s part of the sport, when you’re leading, as we’ve done for several seasons now, you come under greater scrutiny.”
“That’s the nature of Formula 1. Teams invest heavily in analyzing their competitors. The FIA faces a tough job because teams often spot things before the regulators do.”
Horner acknowledged McLaren’s current performance, noting, “They have the most competitive car right now, just as we did a few years ago. Naturally, they’re under the microscope, it’s logical.”
“They’re managing tire temperatures exceptionally well, especially in Miami, where they looked incredibly strong.”
“We’re dealing with our own brake issues that made things worse during the race, and that’s what we need to focus on as we move forward.”
Horner: “I Never Called the McLaren Illegal”
Christian Horner has pushed back on suggestions that Red Bull has directly accused McLaren of breaking the rules.
During the Miami Grand Prix weekend, it emerged that Red Bull had raised concerns privately about McLaren’s brake cooling approach and its potential role in improving tire performance. The FIA conducted a thorough investigation, which reportedly cleared McLaren, though the full findings are expected before the upcoming race in Imola.
Frustrated by the lingering whispers, McLaren CEO Zak Brown challenged Horner to submit a formal protest, one that would carry a significant financial cost and cannot be refunded if unsuccessful.
“I never said their car is illegal,” Horner clarified. “Credit to McLaren, right now, they’re in a league of their own.”
However, he maintained that questioning rivals is part of the sport.
“What I said is that in Formula 1, people will always ask questions. McLaren questioned our suspension last year, that’s just how it works.”
“When you’re at the front, as we’ve been, everything gets examined in fine detail. That’s just the nature of the beast.”
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