Tension is at its height in the paddocks as each decision could upset the end of the season and crown, or not, McLaren with the constructors' championship.
The end of the 2024 F1 season ignites with new accusations: Red Bull suspects McLaren of illegally manipulating the temperature of its tires to improve performance. The Milton Keynes team points to possible use of water inside the tires to cool the rubber, a technique which, although known to Red Bull, is today prohibited by the FIA.
The case dates back to the Singapore Grand Prix, where Lando Norris dominated the race, finishing with a 20-second lead over Max Verstappen. Following this event, traces of water were reportedly spotted in McLaren's rims during Pirelli's checks, raising Red Bull's suspicions of a potential hidden advantage.
Pirelli and the FIA are closely monitoring
Mario Isola, manager at Pirelli, wanted to be reassuring by saying that the analyzes carried out on the tires did not reveal any irregularities: “We did not observe any signs of manipulation” he said after an inspection at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
However, the FIA continues to closely monitor each team's equipment, with accusations gaining considerable momentum in the media and within the paddock.
Growing tensions between Red Bull and McLaren
The conflicts between the two teams are not new. Earlier in the season, McLaren had to modify its rear wing after complaints from Red Bull, who suspected an aerodynamic advantage linked to a system dubbed “mini-DRS”.
Red Bull, for its part, has had to respond to criticism of its “bibgate” at the United States Grand Prix, involving a controversial ride height adjustment mechanism.
The race for the constructors’ title at stake
With just three races remaining, McLaren currently leads the Constructors' Championship, relegating Red Bull to third position, on 49 points. Although Verstappen showed his determination in Brazil by winning the race from 17th, that feat may not be enough to close the gap if McLaren maintains a technical advantage.
McLaren, for its part, rejects these accusations. The team has confirmed that all its practices are strictly in compliance with the regulations, and says it is ready to collaborate with FIA investigations. A spokesperson for the team added: “We have nothing to hide. All our methods are validated and approved.”
What did the FIA decide?
If the FIA were to prove the existence of a prohibited trick, McLaren could face sanctions which would modify the final classification for this season. For the moment, no violations have been confirmed, and the FIA prefers to deepen its inspections.
Red Bull, meanwhile, hopes the added pressure will prompt the sporting authority to act quickly, while McLaren focuses on the title race by defending itself from the accusations.
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