With only one point separating Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in the 2025 drivers' championship, tensions are flaring between McLaren and Red Bull.
A few days ago, Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko sparked debate by claiming McLaren backed the wrong driver at Suzuka, where Oscar Piastri, who he says is quicker in races and mentally tougher than Norris, requested to pass to challenge Verstappen.
"But we know that," Marko told Osterreich newspaper when quizzed about his controversial assessment. "It's nothing new."
The rivalry has intensified amid whispers that McLaren's wings might be flexing illegally, while McLaren boss Andrea Stella has taken exception to Verstappen's public complaints about Red Bull's 2025 car.
"I wonder what the Red Bull employees think when they hear their own driver talking like that about the car they built," Stella told Sky Italia. "A driver should be the ambassador of the values of a team. So, first of all, a little solidarity towards the Red Bull employees."
He added: "But we know that Max is not only incredibly good in the car, but he is also very skilled when it comes to political and communication skills. He knows exactly how to throw bait into the pond."
Stella insisted McLaren's approach remains grounded. "We are down-to-earth people," the Italian said. "We stay very calm. We are not going to bite."
