Former FIA Steward Predicts More Red Bull vs. McLaren 'Games' After 'Tape-gate' Fine

Former FIA steward Johnny Herbert believes the €50,000 'tape-gate' incident at the United States Grand Prix is just the beginning of mind games between Red Bull and McLaren as the F1 season intensifies. The drama, which saw Red Bull fined for a procedural breach involving a McLaren pit wall marker, highlights the escalating competitive tension between the two teams.

Why it matters:

As the 2025 F1 season nears its conclusion, the battle for supremacy between Red Bull and McLaren is heating up, extending beyond the track to mind games and strategic maneuvers. This competitive friction underscores the high stakes of the championship and the lengths to which teams will go to gain even the slightest advantage, providing an extra layer of intrigue for fans.

The Details:

• The 'Tape-gate' Incident: At the United States Grand Prix, a Red Bull team member attempted to interfere with a piece of tape McLaren uses on the pit wall as a visual marker for Lando Norris during grid alignment.
• The Fine: Red Bull received a €50,000 fine (half suspended) for a procedural breach, specifically for a team member re-entering the pit wall gate area after the formation lap had begun, despite marshals' attempts to stop them. The FIA stewards' report clarified that the fine was for this breach, not for attempting to remove the tape itself, as the tape is not covered by regulations and is therefore legal.
• McLaren's Stance: Lando Norris found the incident amusing, noting that the tape wasn't even essential for him at Austin. He also revealed McLaren had engineered the tape to be difficult to remove, thwarting previous attempts by rival teams in other races.
• Herbert's Prediction: Johnny Herbert, who recently stepped down as an FIA steward, expects more such 'games' between the teams in the remaining four races, suggesting Red Bull is particularly prone to these tactics.

The Big Picture:

The 'tape-gate' saga is emblematic of the growing rivalry between Red Bull and McLaren. While Max Verstappen currently leads the Drivers' Championship, Norris and Oscar Piastri are closing the gap, making every point and every psychological edge crucial. This type of off-track gamesmanship adds a fascinating dimension to the championship fight, showcasing the intense pressure and competitive spirit that defines Formula 1 at its highest level.

What's next:

With the championship battle tightening and Red Bull and McLaren fiercely competing, expect more strategic maneuvers and 'games' both on and off the track. The coming races will likely feature increased scrutiny from both teams on each other's practices, potentially leading to further incidents as they vie for every possible advantage in their quest for the title.