Red Bull Points to McLaren Cooled Wheels

Red Bull Points to McLaren Cooled Wheels After “Tire Water” Stunt

The recent period has witnessed an increase in tension between McLaren and Red Bull in Formula 1, but the matter is not largely related to what is happening between the two teams on the track. In fact, this is the latest chapter in a case between these two teams caused by McLaren CEO Zak Brown and his veiled message in Miami when he drank water from a bottle labeled “Tire Water.”

The sarcastic response from Zak Brown to Red Bull’s accusations

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This was a funny situation when it was shown on television, but there were serious messages behind Brown’s actions, as the American was very upset by the criticism and questions that the McLaren team has been subjected to since its return to competing at the top of the standings. The tire water was an indication of the accusations that the Red Bull team made against McLaren late last year regarding the illegal use of water to cool the tires.

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Red Bull Points to McLaren Cooled Wheels in FIA Complaints

Red Bull team principal Kristian Horner went to the International Automobile Federation before the Brazilian Grand Prix last year, stating that his team had evidence of the use of these illegal tricks and urged the federation to investigate these allegations. Theories indicated that the McLaren team had found a way to inject water vapor in the tires, which would contribute to lower tire temperatures and thus a lower wear rate compared to competitors.

Red Bull’s complaints were enough for the head of the FIA’s single-seater commission, Nicholas Tombazis, to intervene and investigate during the Interlagos round, but he did not find any evidence. This led to McLaren’s annoyance, with false accusations of violating the rules and that the Red Bull team was suspicious due to its slow speed.

Red Bull Points to McLaren Cooled Wheels as Part of Ongoing Feud

The water in the tires was not the only incident, but there was a series of accusations that the Red Bull team directed at McLaren of violating the rules before the Brazilian round. The Red Bull team was demanding that the FIA impose restrictions on flexible wings, which some teams, including McLaren, had been able to master. These demands led to the FIA taking new measures after conducting careful examinations and analyzing the movement of the wings.

However, at the same time, the FIA confirmed that the McLaren team and all other teams did not violate the rules, so there were no additional measures before the end of last season. In the winter period, the International Federation decided that it needed to impose more restrictions to ensure that the situation did not get out of control.

Red Bull Points to McLaren Cooled Wheels and Flexible Parts

During these complaints regarding the flexible wings, the McLaren team turned the tables at the United States Grand Prix last October when they complained about a part in the front of the Red Bull car. McLaren felt that this part allowed the team to make adjustments to the floor height even while the car is in closed area conditions or park vernier. This prompted the FIA to take measures to ensure that the team does not use this part without informing technical scrutineers.

Despite the decline in the intensity of accusations during the winter, tension returned between McLaren and Red Bull just a few days after the start of winter testing in Bahrain. The first problem revolved around the issue of McLaren using a DRS system deployed on board the 2025 season car, despite restrictions. Red Bull once again complained to the FIA and relied on video clips. This led to more restrictions in the following round in China to prevent manipulation of the rear wing gap.

Red Bull Points to McLaren Cooled Wheels and Brake Design

The McLaren team enjoys a comfortable advantage in dealing with heat. The rear tires played a key role in victories in Melbourne and Miami, and this aroused curiosity. Several theories suggested McLaren exploited a gray area in the regulations related to cooling the outer section of the rear brakes. Reports indicated that Red Bull obtained thermal images from an external party, which showed mysterious cold spots on McLaren’s rear brakes.

The images were shown to the FIA as part of ongoing dialogue about how McLaren outperformed its competitors. The regulations clearly prohibit the use of any liquids to cool the brakes, suggesting that McLaren would not use water. Despite some allegations that McLaren was forced to change the design, the team confirmed it made no modifications. Zak Brown was clear that the FIA had not ordered McLaren to change anything.

FIA Clears McLaren but Red Bull Points to McLaren Cooled Wheels Again

Red Bull’s persistent questions prompted the FIA to closely monitor the rear of the McLaren car. The brakes were examined in depth, and numerous tests after the Miami Grand Prix led to the full approval of McLaren’s design by the FIA. It was described as intelligent and legal.

Despite various theories, the main factor in McLaren’s performance was likely track conditions and heat. In Miami, McLaren’s closest competitor crossed the line more than 30 seconds behind. The hot conditions played a major role, as earlier races were held in colder temperatures or at night.

Will Red Bull Stop Pointing to McLaren Cooled Wheels?

It remains unclear whether the tension will subside after the FIA confirmation. Zak Brown believes that if a team requests extensive FIA checks, they should pay a fee, which would discourage frivolous claims. Christian Horner disagrees and believes such complaints are essential to maintain fairness.

With the FIA confirming the legality of McLaren’s brakes, a truce may be underway. However, with new restrictions on rear wings expected at the Spanish Grand Prix, the next round of accusations between McLaren and Red Bull may not be far off.

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