Reportedly, Red Bull recently complained to the FIA about McLaren’s brakes, according to the typically knowledgeable Auto, Motor und Sport.
In recent years, Red Bull Racing has established itself as a dominant force in Formula 1, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation and performance. However, the 2024 season has seen the Milton Keynes-based team facing stiff competition from McLaren and Mercedes. This intense rivalry has led to heightened scrutiny of each team’s technological advancements, with Red Bull recently raising concerns over McLaren’s brake system.
The spotlight on flexible front wings has been a regular feature of technical discussions in Formula 1, but a new controversy has emerged, centered on McLaren’s brakes. According to Auto, Motor und Sport, Red Bull suspects that McLaren is utilizing extra holes in their brake drums, which could potentially breach FIA regulations. These holes, Red Bull argues, might provide McLaren with an unfair advantage in tire management and performance.
In Formula 1, teams use sensors to collect crucial data on the temperature of the rims and tires. However, Red Bull suspects that McLaren has gone a step further by creating an additional cooling hole in the brake drums. This hole allegedly accommodates a sensor cable designed to measure the temperature inside the brake cylinder aerator. Such a setup, if true, could provide McLaren with valuable real-time data, helping them optimize tire performance and longevity during races.
The controversy gained momentum following impressive performances by McLaren driver Lando Norris in Miami, Imola, and Spain. Norris’s ability to maintain tire performance better than Red Bull’s Max Verstappen raised eyebrows within the Red Bull camp. The team began to suspect that the information gathered from the additional holes and sensors could be contributing to McLaren’s competitive edge.
The FIA regulations permit teams to place sensors in the brake drums during free practice sessions on Fridays. However, these holes must be sealed for the rest of the weekend. Red Bull claims that McLaren’s holes sometimes remained open during races, a violation of the regulations. Despite these allegations, the FIA’s investigations did not confirm Red Bull’s suspicions.
Following the FIA’s checks, it was revealed that McLaren had indeed taped off the holes during the Austrian and British Grand Prix. Whether this action was a direct response to Red Bull’s complaint or a preemptive measure to comply with FIA scrutiny remains unclear. Nevertheless, Red Bull’s formal complaint underscores the intensity of the current battle among the top teams.
This controversy highlights the fine margins and fierce competition in Formula 1. As teams push the envelope in search of every possible advantage, the lines between innovation and regulation often blur. The scrutiny of McLaren’s brake system by Red Bull illustrates the lengths to which teams will go to ensure a level playing field—or to gain a competitive edge.
As the 2024 season progresses, it is evident that the rivalry between Red Bull and McLaren is far from settled. The ongoing technological battles and regulatory disputes add another layer of intrigue to an already thrilling championship fight. Fans and pundits alike will be closely watching how these developments unfold and what further innovations—or controversies—may arise in the quest for Formula 1 supremacy.
