Red Bull Defends “Legitimate” Engine Swap After McLaren's Cost Cap "Hand Grenade"

The ‘weakness’ in F1 cost cap rules that Red Bull exploited with Max Verstappen engine change

The FIA has admitted to a “weakness in the current regulations” as Red Bull defended its “legitimate” engine swap for Max Verstappen at Formula 1‘s Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The debate over the cost-cap regulations erupted once again after the race at Interlagos two weeks ago. The Milton Keynes-based squad opted to fit a brand new engine in Verstappen’s RB21 after a disappointing qualifying saw the Dutchman eliminated in Q1. This power unit change w…

FIA Admits Engine Loophole Exposed by Verstappen’s Brazil Gamble

Imagine starting from the pit lane, picking up a shiny new engine like it’s a drive-thru, and still storming the podium—while the rulebook pretends it didn’t see anything. McLaren asked the awkward question, the FIA shrugged, and now the calculators are limbering up for a showdown with the dynos. Was it reliability, or “reliability”? Dive in to see why the next big fight in F1 might be between horsepower and spreadsheets, and why one Sunday char…

Verstappen’s verdict on F1’s racing guidelines: ‘I’d shred them!’

©RedBull Phillip van Osten 21/11/2025 at 14:4421/11/2025 at 14:51 40 SHARES Share on.. Share on.. Share on.. Max Verstappen has never been shy about offering an opinion, but on the eve of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the four-time world champion... More »

Verstappen’s verdict on F1’s racing guidelines: ‘I’d shred them!’

Max Verstappen delivered a fresh dose of blunt honesty – this time aimed squarely at Formula 1’s ever-expanding racing guidelines.

Red Bull exploit cost cap rules

Whilst Max Verstappen’s drive from pit lane to podium in Brazil was an epic watch, some of the competitors were unhappy with how Red Bull had turned their weekend around.  […]