CHRISTIAN HORNER has hit back at Zak Brown’s playful dig at the Miami Grand Prix.
The McLaren team principal was spotted drinking from a bottle labelled “tire water” during practice in Florida.
It comes after Red Bull accused McLaren of using illegal practices to regulate the temperature of its tyres.
Towards the end of last season, the Milton Keynes team thought the papaya squad was using water to cool its tyres.
That would allow McLaren to better prevent wear and tear and keep its Pirellis in the optimal operating window for longer.
Despite the FIA conducting a probe into the accusations and finding no wrongdoings, Red Bull have refused to let it go.
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So Brown delivered a cheeky jab at his fierce rivals, as McLaren’s dominance continues to reach new heights in 2025.
During practice in Miami on Friday, cameras turned to the McLaren pit wall where Brown was seen watching the action.
Fans were quick to notice a decorated water bottle with “tire water” stickers, before Zak cheekily took a sip.
Footage of Brown’s not-so-subtle dig was shown to Red Bull boss Horner who took it in stride.
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Horner said on Sky Sports: “We’ll send him a Red Bull down if he needs some energising.”
Red Bull are reportedly looking into how McLaren so expertly keep their tyres fresh.
McLaren have shut down the unfounded claims and said the car was able to keep its tyres in check for longer due to the “downforce, balance and the overall innovation”.
The rivalry continued when McLaren star Lando Norris beat team-mate Oscar Piastri in a dramatic Miami GP sprint on Saturday.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen – who welcomed his first child this week- dropped out of the points after a pit-lane collision with polesitter Kimi Antonelli.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
