Red Bull is independently investigating McLaren’s alleged use of an illegal system for tire management. They are using thermal cameras during pit stops to analyze the temperatures of the brake ducts, which are considered a key factor in tire management.
The Woking team has dominated the start of the season, winning four out of five races. Their main advantage lies in their ability to keep the tires within the ideal temperature window for longer, improving their performance both in qualifying and in the race, without overheating or premature tire degradation.
The results of Red Bull’s investigation and McLaren’s ironic denial
The thermal images collected by the Milton Keynes team show much colder brakes on McLaren cars compared to other teams, especially in warmer weather conditions. This raised suspicions that the “Papaya” team might be using an unconventional method to cool the braking system, possibly with the use of water.
Zak Brown jokingly denied the rumors, sticking the label “Tire water!” on his water bottle, but the suspicion remains. McLaren attributes its performance to a balanced technical package, efficient aerodynamics, and innovations still not publicly revealed, such as special materials or optimized air channels in the brakes.
The first reports date back to the end of the previous season, but the FIA’s investigation found no irregularities. So far, everything seems to be in order, but Red Bull continues to monitor the situation, convinced that there is more to McLaren’s advantage that still needs to be uncovered.
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