Formula 1 can sometimes resemble the cartoon chaos of Wacky Races, especially when two top teams like McLaren and Red Bull turn to clever — and slightly mischievous — tactics in their intense rivalry. The latest example is the so-called “tape trick”, a small but revealing detail that came to light during the United States Grand Prix in Austin and has sparked plenty of discussion in the paddock.
The story goes like this: McLaren’s mechanics have been placing a small strip of tape on the pit wall next to Lando Norris’ starting position before each race. The purpose? To give the British driver a clear visual reference for perfectly aligning his McLaren MCL39 on the grid. However, just moments before the start, Red Bull’s mechanics reportedly step in — quite literally — and tear the tape off.
This simple gesture might sound trivial, but in a sport where every millimeter counts and psychological pressure plays a huge role, even a small distraction can have an effect. As the battle for the World Championship intensifies, these kinds of subtle moves show just how fierce the competition has become — not only between the engineers designing upgrades, but also between the mechanics working in the pit lane.
A mind game that highlights how tight the F1 title fight has become
To understand how heated things are between McLaren and Red Bull, one doesn’t need to look only at the massive technical upgrades being brought to the track. Sometimes, it’s the minor details — the small tricks, the psychological games — that reveal the true tension between teams fighting for every possible edge.
At Austin, the incident gained attention after the FIA fined Red Bull for removing the strip of tape that McLaren had placed on the wall next to Norris’ grid box. It was a seemingly harmless prank, but one that clearly crossed a line in the rulebook. The intention, of course, was simple: to unsettle a rival driver and disrupt his pre-race routine at one of the most crucial moments of the weekend.
The “tape war” that has been going on all season
Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports F1 analyst Karun Chandhok offered his take on the situation, describing it with a humorous tone. “It’s pure Dick Dastardly stuff,” he said, referencing the cartoon villain known for his underhanded racing tactics. “What’s next? Will they unplug the wheel guns when the mechanics aren’t looking? The use of tape like that has been around for ages. My engineer used to do the same thing back in 2002 — and funnily enough, he now works for the FIA.”
Karun Chandhok also added that this playful rivalry between the two teams has actually been going on since the start of the 2025 season. “From what I’ve heard, when Red Bull found out about McLaren’s little trick, they started removing the tape before races. Then McLaren began using stronger, more adhesive tape to make it harder to peel off. I can’t confirm all of this, of course — it’s just what’s been going around in the paddock. But it’s the kind of cheeky behavior that skirts around the rules a bit,” he concluded with a laugh.
A glimpse into Formula 1’s lighter side
While the incident may seem minor in the grand scheme of things, it illustrates the extraordinary attention to detail — and the fierce competitiveness — that defines Formula 1. Every small advantage, whether it’s aerodynamic efficiency, tire management, or even a strip of tape on the grid wall, can make a difference at this level of racing.
Beyond the penalties and regulations, these episodes also show the human side of the sport — the creativity, humor, and mind games that make Formula 1 more than just a technical battle. The “tape trick” might not change the outcome of a race, but it’s yet another chapter in the ongoing psychological war between McLaren and Red Bull, two teams pushing each other to the limit both on and off the track.
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