FIA Responds to McLaren, Ferrari Reflects on… Read more
The Formula 1 world continues to buzz with drama and developments as the FIA responds to McLaren’s call for stricter protest regulations, Ferrari reflects positively on their recent race, and Max Verstappen tests a new car. Here’s a detailed roundup of the top headlines in F1 news from Friday, May 9, 2025.
FIA Backs McLaren’s Protest Deposit Proposal
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has voiced support for McLaren CEO Zak Brown’s recent suggestion that any official protest by teams should include a substantial financial deposit. Brown’s recommendation was prompted by a situation involving Red Bull, who reportedly raised concerns about McLaren’s tire cooling procedures, implying they may be in breach of regulations. Brown strongly refuted the suggestion, labeling it as baseless and potentially disruptive to team operations.
In response to these tensions, Ben Sulayem acknowledged that the proposal could help discourage unnecessary or frivolous protests among teams. By implementing a deposit requirement, the FIA aims to ensure that teams think carefully before lodging official complaints, keeping the focus on constructive competition rather than internal politics or baseless accusations.
Ferrari’s Vasseur Content After Miami Struggles
Despite the chaos and emotional strain of the Miami Grand Prix, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has expressed satisfaction with how the team managed the weekend. Although the race brought several frustrations for both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Vasseur said that the post-race debriefs were valuable in uncovering the root of the drivers’ concerns.
He emphasized that maintaining clear communication within the team was key and that understanding the frustrations from the drivers helped Ferrari draw useful conclusions moving forward. Vasseur ultimately believed Ferrari “did a good job” in Miami, not necessarily in terms of the result, but in how the team responded to pressure and internal challenges.
Verstappen Tests a New Car
In other news, Max Verstappen recently got behind the wheel of a new car, although specific details about the test remain limited. The reigning world champion’s testing schedule has drawn interest from fans and insiders, especially with Red Bull’s ongoing dominance and the looming pressure from rival teams.
Final Thoughts
As the F1 season continues, tensions between teams and officials, as well as internal team dynamics, are shaping the narrative just as much as on-track performance. McLaren’s stance on protest rules has caught the attention of the FIA, Ferrari is taking valuable lessons from a tough race, and the focus remains sharp as teams prepare for the next Grand Prix.
