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On the weekend of the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Red Bull F1 team has accused the McLaren F1 Team of engaging in questionable tire tactics. This accusation revolves around alleged efforts by McLaren to fill their tires with water, something that would aid in temperature regulation during the race—a claim reported by the German publication Auto Motor und Sport.
The allegations against McLaren will stir considerable discourse. Tire management forms a critical component of the regulations set out by the FIA, meticulously overseen by Pirelli, the exclusive tire provider. According to the German outlet, McLaren is adding water to the tires via the valves, aiding in maintaining an optimal temperature during race and qualifying conditions.
This is not the first time this season that McLaren has faced technical scrutiny. Earlier in 2024, the team was accused by Red Bull of using an illegally flexible rear wing, leading to a formal investigation and subsequent necessary design changes for the Woking outfit.
In a tit-for-tat response, McLaren levied accusations against Red Bull about adjustments to the underbody height of their cars. However, a thorough investigation by the FIA—Formula 1’s regulatory body—found Red Bull’s vehicle design to be compliant.
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Pirelli’s role in monitoring tire integrity involves post-race checks capable of detecting foreign substances like water within tires. Despite the current uproar, Pirelli’s examinations have reported no anomalies so far, although FIA’s investigation on the matter remains ongoing.
The timing of these accusations is important, given the tightly contested constructors’ and drivers’ championships of the 2024 season. McLaren, boasting commendable performances from its drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, is shoulder to shoulder with Red Bull’s power duo, Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez. The Brazilian Grand Prix, in particular, was eventful with Norris taking a victory in the sprint race and Verstappen receiving a 5-second penalty, relegating him from P3 to P4 behind Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc, in that order.
As the FIA investigation proceeds, an unfavorable decision against McLaren could tilt the championship balance in favor of their rivals. With the championship standings hanging in the balance, the ongoing inquiry commands plenty of attention, although after what we’ve heard so far, it may well fizzle to nothing.
2024 Brazilian Sprint Race Results
1. Lando Norris
2. Oscar Piastri – Fastest Lap
3. Max Verstappen
4. Charles Leclerc
5. Carlos Sainz
6. George Russell
7. Pierre Gasly
8. Sergio Perez
9. Liam Lawson
10. Alex Albon
11. Lewis Hamilton
12. Franco Colapinto
13. Esteban Ocon
14. Oliver Bearman
15. Yuki Tsunoda
16. Valtteri Bottas
17. Zhou Guanyu
18. Fernando Alonso
19. Lance Stroll
20. Nico Hulkenberg – DNF