Every race seems to bring fresh allegations. For three years, we enjoyed a lull because Red Bull and Max Verstappen’s dominance was so complete that there was no reason to hunt for potential tricks in every Grand Prix. Now that the RB20’s advantage has faded (though not in the rain at Interlagos), and McLaren appears to have become the “universal” car, technical controversies pushing regulatory limits have returned to the spotlight.
The latest allegation, reported by the respected German publication *Auto Motor und Sport*, claims that McLaren found a way to control tire temperature to reduce degradation, based on a tip from Red Bull. Teams have long explored inventive ways to tackle this issue. Carbon fiber wheel covers, for instance, were designed to limit tire overheating caused by heat from the brakes.
According to Red Bull, McLaren’s technical team, led by Andrea Stella, might be using atomized water to cool the tires, targeting the carcass more than the tread, especially after Pirelli identified that overheating is often due to the tire’s construction rather than the compound. The FIA was informed of the suspicions, as were Pirelli representatives. It’s no coincidence that during the Brazilian GP’s Sprint Race, Jo Bauer’s technical officials conducted thorough post-race checks and confirmed that all cars complied with regulations prohibiting additives in tire inflation air.
The misted water, supposedly introduced through the inflation valve, was never detected, leaving no evidence to substantiate Red Bull’s claims. Some speculate that, if true, the added liquid would vaporize with tire heat, evading detection. While adding water might not confer an advantage (reports suggest only trace amounts would be used), others argue it could increase the weight of unsprung mass with potentially mixed effects.
Interestingly, despite all the accusations, only one recent FIA ruling affected McLaren’s “mini-DRS” wing from Baku. Although it passed all legality checks, the FIA ultimately banned it. Previously, Red Bull had faced scrutiny over suspicions that it adjusted the tea-tray height using a device not prohibited but which cannot be altered between qualifying and the race. Consequently, the FIA introduced a seal after the United States GP to prevent any mid-race adjustments. McLaren had earlier alleged that the RB20 employed asymmetrical rear braking—a debate reignited after FIA single-seater technical chief Nikolas Tombazis revised the 2026 regulations, instructing teams to apply the clarification immediately after a unanimous vote.
This isn’t just a technical battle; it’s a psychological one, and it’s no coincidence that these controversies arose as the championship race heated up, with Red Bull and McLaren at the center. So, why the surge in allegations? Recently, numerous engineers moved between teams after completing their mandatory gardening leaves. This exchange of ideas has led to a “suitcase” of engineering knowledge moving around, making leaks almost inevitable.
Rumor has it, according to whispers in the paddock, that the world champion team itself once experimented with misted water in tires, which is why they’re so familiar with the approach. The rumors keep circulating—but so far, the evidence does not.
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