Not to mention the racing numbers, they will need full protective suits to deal with the fallout from this increasingly toxic Formula 1 season when it comes to an end.

Allegations in the run-up to this weekend's United States Grand Prix that Red Bull may have used a so-called “bib device” that controls ride height between qualifying and the race are just the latest in a year-round battle between the two great players of the season raged.

First, McLaren demanded action from the FIA/F1 over the sexting and bullying controversy at Red Bull. Then it was appropriate for Red Bull to own two F1 teams, even if that story is pretty old fashioned now. In late summer, Red Bull responded with its own “questions” (definitely not complaints) about the flexibility of the McLaren front wing, forcing McLaren to make “voluntary changes” (definitely not forced) to its design. Now it's Red Bull's starting number system, to which Red Bull has also “agreed to make changes” after discussions with the FIA.

Whether they were naughty or not – and Red Bull vehemently denies doing anything wrong, even though the FIA ​​has hardly inspired confidence by admitting it has no way of knowing and then in the next breath has declared as “not a story” – so latest The dispute will further inflame tensions as the title race reaches its climax.

That, of course, is the crux of the matter. Both teams are desperately trying to unseat the other, and destabilizing your rivals is a proven way to achieve this.

The interesting thing about the rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull this season is that it feels very much like it is between Zak Brown and Christian Horner.

While the rivalry between Mercedes and Red Bull extended to their drivers a few years ago, with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen frequently crossing swords and exchanging remarks in the press, there is virtually no animosity at all between Lando Norris and Verstappen. On the contrary, they are firm friends.

The only time they had a real conflict after their clash in Austria, Norris demanded an apology from Verstappen and said he would “lose a lot of respect” for the Dutchman if he didn't speak out, only to do so a few days later to back down at Silverstone.

Many consider this a sign that Norris didn't have the stomach for the fight. “Could you imagine if alpha male drivers like Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso or Verstappen himself were so approachable,” they asked?

Norris did not comply. In fact, as he has done throughout his career, the young Brit spoke openly about the mistakes he made this season and even admitted that he was weak. In particular, at the Italian Grand Prix last month, Norris openly admitted how nervous he still is before races, admitting that his nervousness makes it difficult for him to eat or drink anything.

It was no surprise that Helmut Marko, Red Bull's outspoken motorsports advisor, echoed those comments this weekend, declaring his man is mentally tougher than his rival.

“We know that Norris has some mental weaknesses,” said Marko. “I read about some rituals he needs to follow to perform well on race day.”

It was a suggestion that drew a swift rebuke from Brown, who described the comments as “disappointing but not surprising” and said they had “set this (conversation about mental health in Formula One) back by 10 to 20 years.” .”

We may find out if Red Bull did anything questionable with his race number. But it all really feels like window dressing. What really matters is the fact that Norris is still 52 points behind Verstappen going into the Austin weekend. Closing this gap significantly will really increase the tension – and possibly even put a strain on their friendship.

Until then, rest assured that the two teams will continue to go at each other. It was always like that.

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