In the latest accusation from Red Bull regarding McLaren’s tactics in Formula 1, the issue of water in the tires has become the subject of intense scrutiny. With two World Championship titles up for grabs, every detail can make a significant impact. Stefano Domenicali has suggested that the Milton Keynes team may be attempting to destabilize Ferrari’s Woking-based rivals, with Lando Norris appearing noticeably agitated. Despite starting from pole, Norris struggled in the race, finishing in sixth place, even behind a relatively weak Ferrari. This came during a weekend where Max Verstappen, starting from seventeenth, produced an exceptional performance to claim victory, making it even more difficult for any rivals to challenge in the drivers’ championship with only three races and a Sprint Race remaining.
After the controversy surrounding the MCL38’s “mini DRS” and the RB20’s T-Tray, another issue regarding tire management has emerged in Brazil. The debate centers on a rumored tactic by McLaren to gain a competitive edge by manipulating tire pressures.
Mario Isola, when questioned by the media on Saturday, clarified that the FIA had not requested any checks on the “suspicious” cars. Although such tests are possible, he emphasized that they would be challenging due to the type of testing required and the timing constraints. With limited concrete information at hand, we aim to explore the situation using current technical insights, with a focus on potential developments should Red Bull’s accusations against McLaren be substantiated.
McLaren, Water in the Tires: The Impact on Tire Pressure
Recently, there has been speculation about an innovative strategy McLaren might be using to gain an advantage in the race. At the heart of the discussion is the possibility that the team is introducing a small amount of water into their tires. This tactic has piqued significant interest in the F1 world. However, before delving into the potential benefits and risks, it’s crucial to understand how this liquid would be introduced into the tire. Teams in Formula 1 have very limited control over the initial tire pressure, particularly when the tires are still cold, meaning while the car is in the pit box.
At this stage, it is theoretically possible to inject a small amount of water—around 0.05 liters per tire—into the tire, though this is far from a simple procedure. F1 tires already have a predetermined internal pressure set by Pirelli, and introducing liquid into the tire is not a standard practice. This raises a significant question: How could McLaren manage to introduce water into the tires without compromising their structural integrity and optimal performance? Currently, there is no definitive answer to this question.
One possibility is using a mixture of air and water, where the liquid would be initially aerosolized to avoid significant challenges in achieving a precise amount. Another key factor to consider is the temperature management. Once fitted on the car, the tires are kept warm with tire blankets until they’re ready to hit the track, conditioned to around 80°C. While this temperature is sufficient to warm the tires initially, it wouldn’t be high enough to cause the water to evaporate. The liquid would remain in its liquid state until the car starts moving.
This is a crucial detail for understanding how this strategy might work in practice. While the tires are still in the blankets, the water wouldn’t cause any significant effects. However, as soon as the car starts moving, the centrifugal force would distribute the water along the inner surface of the tire, and it would transform into vapor as the temperature reaches around 120°C. Inside the tire, there is an internal pressure of about 25 psi, and the temperature required for water to evaporate is higher.
The transition from liquid to gas could create a rise in internal pressure, a potentially significant effect on tire management. The ultimate goal for McLaren, if this strategy is confirmed by the FIA’s analysis, would be to achieve a tire pressure that is difficult to reach under normal conditions.
Tire pressures in Formula 1 are tightly regulated by the FIA, and even a slight increase can have a noticeable impact on vehicle performance. In this case, the evaporation of water could lead to an increase in internal tire pressure, allowing the team to approach the ideal operating pressure. This would provide a different contact patch on the track, which could yield various performance benefits.
However, this approach carries considerable risks. There are many variables at play: any error in the fluid dosage or misjudgment of track conditions could lead to counterproductive effects, potentially compromising the car’s performance rather than enhancing it. The real advantage would depend on extremely precise control, making this hypothetical system both complex and potentially hazardous.
McLaren, Water in the Tires: The Effect on Thermal Exchange
Aside from the impact on tire pressure, another possible benefit could come from improving the thermal exchange between the rim and the tire, or between the inner surface of the compound and the tread. If the liquid is able to distribute heat more evenly, it could help maintain the tire’s temperature more consistently—an essential factor for performance during a race. Maintaining the tire’s tread at the ideal temperature is crucial for ensuring better grip and reducing the risk of overheating or excessive cooling, both of which could affect the compound’s durability during a long stint.
Achieving this balance of temperatures in normal conditions is notoriously difficult. The idea of using a liquid to stabilize heat could represent an innovative solution to the thermal issues teams face during races. However, the FIA has the tools to verify whether McLaren or other teams have experimented with a similar system. As Mario Isola noted, measuring the humidity levels within the tire could reveal the presence of water or vapor. A test like this could confirm whether a fluid is being used to manipulate the pressure and thermal properties of the tire.
Ultimately, such a strategy would require extreme precision, not only during the preparation phase but also in adapting to the specific conditions of each race. While we await official updates, this is the current state of the situation, and the evidence remains scarce.
Leave a Reply