The FIA has broken its silence following fresh accusations of cheating at the Miami Grand Prix, confirming after an internal review that McLaren is not using any illegal methods to manage tyre and brake temperatures.
In an official statement released Sunday evening, the FIA clarified: “We have thoroughly reviewed data, including thermal telemetry and team procedures, and found no evidence that McLaren employed any illicit techniques for cooling their tyres or brakes. McLaren has remained fully compliant with the technical regulations throughout the Miami Grand Prix weekend.”
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This comes after Red Bull reportedly conducted its own private investigation, using thermal imaging to monitor McLaren’s car temperatures, and informally raised concerns that the Woking-based team might be using questionable cooling methods to gain an advantage.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown hit back earlier in the weekend, telling Christian Horner’s team to “put up or shut up,” while Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also defended McLaren, saying he had “no doubt” in their integrity.
Max Verstappen, who finished fourth behind George Russell in Miami, also weighed in after the FIA’s verdict: “Look, we all want to win, but you can’t just start accusing teams every time they beat you. McLaren has done a great job, and as drivers, we focus on improving on track, not pointing fingers.”
The FIA’s statement specifically addressed whether McLaren had crossed the line, adding: “There is no indication that McLaren breached rules through hidden or unapproved methods. We consider the matter closed unless new, substantive evidence emerges.”
This announcement puts to rest the Red Bull-led suspicions — at least for now — as the grid turns its focus to the next Grand Prix, where competition is expected to remain fierce.
