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Red Bull’s Explosive Warning to McLaren: ‘Conflict’ Threatens Max Verstappen’s F1 Title Chances

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
May 20, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Red Bull’s Explosive Warning to McLaren: ‘Conflict’ Threatens Max Verstappen’s F1 Title Chances

IMOLA, ITALY - MAY 18: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Gianpiero Lambiase, Head of Racing of Oracle Red Bull Racing on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505180716 // Usage for editorial use only //

Red Bull Boss Sounds Alarm on McLaren’s “Self-Interest” That Could Propel Max Verstappen to F1 Glory

Christian Horner is sounding the alarm for McLaren, warning that internal rivalry between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri could unravel the team’s title hopes—and potentially hand the championship advantage back to Max Verstappen and Red Bull.

Speaking after Verstappen’s emphatic second victory of the 2025 season at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Horner credited his team’s strategy and tire management, while subtly pointing out the emerging tensions in the McLaren garage that could spell trouble down the road.

McLaren’s team dynamics under the microscope

The Imola race reignited speculation over how McLaren is balancing its two rising stars. During the race, with Norris on fresher tires and a clear shot at Verstappen after a Safety Car restart, the Brit found himself stuck behind teammate Piastri. Although no team orders were issued, Norris eventually overtook cleanly to finish second, while Piastri settled for third.

Horner, ever the tactician, sees a potential fracture point.

“At some point, self-interest will always outweigh team interest. That’s the conflict,” Horner told reporters. “They’re both great drivers, but that kind of rivalry, when not managed carefully, can cost you dearly.”

He also cited McLaren’s so-called ‘Papaya Rules’, a framework established at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix to allow Norris and Piastri to race fairly without risking contact. But Horner questioned how sustainable that arrangement is now that both drivers are legitimate title contenders.

Red Bull bounces back at Imola

Verstappen’s win at Imola was a return to form after early-season turbulence with the RB21. Helped by strong tire strategy and well-timed Virtual and full Safety Car periods, Verstappen comfortably managed the race from the front—while McLaren’s tactical hesitation potentially cost them a stronger challenge.

Horner praised Norris and Piastri for their professionalism but remained skeptical of McLaren’s ability to juggle equal-status drivers fighting for the same prize.

“They raced cleanly, and that’s good for the sport. But when you’re both in the fight for the championship, it’s only a matter of time before those moments of hesitation or disagreement start adding up.”

A championship in the balance

The championship battle is now shaping into a Red Bull vs. McLaren showdown, with Verstappen slowly rebuilding momentum. But Red Bull’s edge may come not just from pace—but from unity. With Sergio Pérez in a clear support role and Red Bull’s hierarchy firmly established, the reigning champions are well-positioned to exploit any cracks in McLaren’s armor.

As the F1 season continues its high-stakes march through Europe, all eyes will be on how McLaren handles its internal pressure—and whether Horner’s prophecy of “conflict” will come to pass.

The championship may well hinge not just on outright speed, but on how well McLaren can manage a battle brewing within. 🏁🔥

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