Red Bull makes shocking 'water in tyre' allegations against McLaren ahead of Sao Paulo Grand Prix

In a fresh twist to the Formula 1 rivalry, Red Bull has raised eyebrows by accusing McLaren of using a "water in tyre" tactic ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The accusations come in the wake of a series of tit-for-tat disputes between the two teams, with allegations ranging from flexible rear wings to adjustable skid plates. Now, Red Bull claims that McLaren may introduce water into their tyres to improve cooling, adding another layer of intrigue to the season’s final stretch.

The controversy took root after Red Bull questioned McLaren's rear wing flexing in Baku, alleging that its flap end would bend upwards under high load, widening the gap and potentially enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. Following Red Bull's formal complaint, the FIA requested McLaren and two other teams to cease using this design. But that was just the beginning of an escalating battle.

In Austin, McLaren responded by scrutinizing Red Bull's adjustable skid plate mechanism. The feature allegedly allowed Red Bull to fine-tune their car’s ground clearance mid-race, which McLaren viewed as potentially breaching parc fermé regulations. Although the FIA deemed the mechanism legal, it implemented new checks, sealing the adjusting screw before parc fermé sessions to prevent tampering.

How teams put water into tyres!

With the Sao Paulo GP around the corner, Red Bull’s fresh allegation points to a potentially more elaborate strategy: injecting water into tyres to improve thermal control over long stints. According to Red Bull, the alleged practice would involve introducing water through the tyre valves, which could cool the tyres internally, thus managing tyre degradation more effectively.

The FIA is reportedly investigating, although inspections during recent races in Austin and Mexico did not reveal irregularities, according to tyre supplier Pirelli. The FIA and Pirelli have declined to comment publicly, but insiders reportedly view the claim as "another storm in a teacup." Given the highly secure tyre-handling protocols, the logistics of introducing water discreetly seem almost impossible.

Interestingly, the technique isn’t entirely unprecedented. Years ago, Red Bull experimented with water-injected tyres before the FIA formally banned it. Some speculate that former Red Bull engineers may have revived and refined the technique after moving to other teams, potentially including McLaren.

As the investigation unfolds, many view this as another chapter in the saga of technical one-upmanship between Red Bull and McLaren. Whether or not the “water in tyre” tactic holds water remains to be seen, but the controversy has certainly added fuel to the fire as the championship reaches its conclusion in Brazil.