In a stunning twist at the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, Kelly Piquet, girlfriend of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, ignited a firestorm by accusing McLaren of orchestrating an FIA investigation into their own engine. The bombshell claim, made public on social media, suggested McLaren deliberately triggered scrutiny to unsettle rivals, leaving the F1 paddock buzzing with speculation.

The FIA, acting swiftly, launched an investigation into McLaren’s power unit just hours after Piquet’s statement. Fans and analysts were left reeling as the governing body released its findings later that day, clearing McLaren of any wrongdoing. The rapid resolution stunned Verstappen, who had been vocal about Red Bull’s struggles against McLaren’s dominant pace at Spa-Francorchamps. “It’s unbelievable how fast this unfolded,” an insider quoted Verstappen as saying.

This drama unfolded against the backdrop of McLaren’s stellar performance, with Oscar Piastri clinching victory and Lando Norris securing a strong finish, further tightening the Constructors’ Championship race. Piquet’s accusations, however, have raised questions about behind-the-scenes tactics in F1’s fiercely competitive landscape.

Was this a strategic move by McLaren, or a misunderstanding amplified by the heat of competition? The F1 community remains divided, with social media ablaze over the controversy. As the summer break looms, this saga ensures the Belgian Grand Prix will be remembered for more than just the on-track action.