McLaren F1 Team accused by Rival of tire trickery at Brazilian Grand Prix

Over the weekend of the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Red Bull F1 team accused the McLaren F1 team of questionable tire tactics. This accusation centers on McLaren's alleged attempts to fill its tires with water, which would help regulate temperature during the race – a claim reported by German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

The allegations against McLaren will cause considerable discussion. Tire management is a crucial part of the regulations set by the FIA ​​and is carefully monitored by Pirelli, the exclusive tire provider. According to the German outlet, McLaren fills water into the tires via the valves, helping to maintain an optimal temperature during the race and qualifying.

This is not the first time this season that McLaren has undergone a technical inspection. In early 2024, the Red Bull team was accused of using an illegally flexible rear wing, leading to a formal investigation and subsequent necessary design changes for the Woking-based team.

In a backlash, McLaren made allegations against Red Bull over adjustments to the underbody height of its cars. However, a thorough investigation by the FIA ​​– Formula 1's regulator – found that Red Bull's car design complied with regulations.

Pirelli's role in monitoring tire integrity includes post-race checks that can detect foreign substances such as water in the tires. Despite the current uproar, Pirelli's investigations have so far revealed no abnormalities, although the FIA's investigation into the matter is ongoing.

The timing of these allegations is important given the highly competitive constructors' and drivers' championships of the 2024 season. McLaren, which boasts commendable performances from its drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, is alongside Red Bull's power duo Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez. The Brazilian Grand Prix in particular was eventful, as Norris took victory in the sprint race and Verstappen received a 5-second penalty, dropping him from P3 to P4, behind Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc (in that order).

As the FIA ​​investigation progresses, an unfavorable decision against McLaren could tip the championship balance in favor of their rivals. With the championship standings at stake, the ongoing investigation requires a lot of attention, although from what we've heard so far it could well come to nothing.

2024 Brazilian sprint race results

1. Lando Norris
2. Oscar Piastri – Fastest lap
3. Max Verstappen
4. Charles Leclerc
5. Carlos Sainz
6.George Russell
7. Pierre Gasly
8. Sergio Perez
9. Liam Lawson
10. Alex Albon
11. Lewis Hamilton
12. Franco Colapinto
13. Esteban Ocon
14. Oliver Bearman
15. Yuki Tsunoda
16. Valtteri Bottas
17. Zhou Guanyu
18.Fernando Alonso
19. Lance Stroll
20. Nico Hülkenberg – failure