P1racenews AI automatic summary:
When tweaked 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations appeared recently which explicitly banned any tyre cooling tricks, it inevitably prompted intrigue about whether this was aimed at McLaren
The recent 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations explicitly banned tyre cooling tricks, sparking speculation about McLaren’s potential involvement due to their advantage in managing rear tyre temperatures. However, sources indicate that the FIA’s decision to tighten regulations was not directed at McLaren, but rather at preventing rivals from exploiting loopholes. Red Bull’s wild ideas, including using water from drivers’ drinks bottles for tyre cooling, prompted the FIA to take action to prevent an expensive development war. The FIA revised rules to be more definitive, outlawing any device beyond driving the car that helps cool wheels, hubs, or brakes. Tricks involving airflow through suspension covers were also ruled out to prevent teams from pushing boundaries in 2026.
