P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull’s confusion about its declining competitiveness this season has led to all sorts of suspicions about what rivals are doing, which isn’t unusual in Formula 1. But the concerns about McLaren and others using fluid in tyres doesn’t add up
Red Bull’s confusion about its declining competitiveness in Formula 1 this season has sparked suspicions regarding rivals’ tactics, including allegations of using fluid in tires. However, the notion of teams like McLaren employing such methods seems far-fetched. The process of deflating and re-inflating tires to introduce fluid would likely violate regulations post-Pirelli’s dry air supply. While regulations may not enforce this strictly, the implications of such actions on tire performance remain uncertain. Heating tires to 80 degrees Celsius with blankets may not facilitate efficient fluid distribution within the sidewalls. The theoretical benefits of fluid aiding heat transfer between the tire and rim seem tenuous, as the practical challenges in controlling fluid quantity for consistent tire pressures are considerable. Given the FIA’s vigilance, any attempts at such tactics are likely to be detected swiftly. Ultimately, Red Bull’s quest for answers amidst their performance decline may be leading them to explore unconventional explanations beyond internal development and car dynamics.
