On the Brazilian GP weekend, Red Bull raised the suspected that McLaren, among other teams, could use a strategy at the edge of the regulations to cool the tyres, adding small amounts of water via the valves. This technique would help keep the tyres at an optimal temperature, especially in critical overheating conditions, such as those encountered during the 2024 season.
FIA's response: no clear evidence
Following the allegations, the FIA conducted a thorough inspection over the weekend in Brazil, checking the cars' tires and rims. According to a report by Motorsport.com, the governing body found no traces of “extra humidity” that could support Red Bull’s suspicions. However, Pirelli boss Mario Isola stressed how difficult it is to detect such a practice, adding to the climate of uncertainty and doubt in the paddock.
“We have not found any anomalies,” Isola said. “But let’s be honest: if someone decided to use a similar technique, it would not be easy to detect with current tools.” This statement has only fueled further speculation in the paddock, where tensions between the teams continue to grow.
The Suspect Born in Singapore
Red Bull's accusations are not new: the first suspicions date back to the Singapore GP, where Lando Norris dominated from pole position, over 20 seconds ahead of Verstappen. After that race, there was talk of possible traces of water and watermarks found inside some tire rims at the Pirelli base, fueling speculation about possible thermal manipulation of the tires by McLaren.
“We have not found any anomalies,” Isola said. “But let’s be honest: if someone decided to use a similar technique, it would not be easy to detect with current tools.” This statement has only fueled further speculation in the paddock, where tensions between the teams continue to grow.
The off-track battle between Red Bull and McLaren heats up
Red Bull’s accusations are just the latest chapter in a season marked by constant clashes and suspicions between the top teams. The rivalry between Red Bull and McLaren has become a major theme in the second half of the championship. After the “mini-DRS” case, which forced McLaren to modify its range of rear wings, and the controversial “bibgate” involving Red Bull in the United States, the suspicion of a trick for tyre cooling adds another layer of controversy to an already heated championship.
Meanwhile, on the drivers' front, Max Verstappen virtually sealed his fourth world title with victory in Brazil, a stunning performance that saw him climb from P17 to P1. Success in Interlagos ended a run of 10 races without a win for the Dutchman, confirming his undisputed leadership and putting an end to any doubts about his superiority. With three races remaining, Verstappen now holds a 62-point lead over Lando Norris, a gap that seems unbridgeable for the McLaren driver.
However, while Verstappen dominated the scene, Red Bull failed to maintain the same level of competitiveness in the constructors' championship, slipping to third place behind McLaren and Ferrari. This added further pressure to the Milton Keynes team, which was forced to look for answers off the track, raising doubts and accusations towards its rivals. The fight for the constructors' title is still open, and the last three races of the season promise to be decisive not only for prestige, but also for the economic resources linked to the championship prizes.
