Ferrari accused of using illegal cooling trick in F1 Brazil GP according to "paddock rumors"
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The 2024 Formula 1 campaign has showcased an unprecedented closeness across the grid, with every team striving to find even the smallest advantage. This intense competition has driven innovation and scrutiny alike, as rival teams watch each other's every move.
One major development came after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix when McLaren faced accusations of deploying a “double DRS” rear wing design, prompting the team to make modifications. Red Bull also raised concerns over McLaren's brake covers, leading to a rule change from the FIA affecting brake components—an adjustment that coincided with a slight dip in Red Bull's own performance.
As the competition intensifies, every team has prioritized both the enhancement of their own vehicles and close surveillance of their opponents.
Italian media outlet *Autosprint* recently reported on incidents from the São Paulo Grand Prix, highlighting an accusation from Red Bull that McLaren had allegedly used a tactic involving water injection into their tires—a method Red Bull believes McLaren may have inherited from former Red Bull employees now within McLaren's ranks. Injecting water into tires is prohibited in F1, and so far, no evidence suggests McLaren or Ferrari have engaged in such practices. However, Ferrari also found itself entangled in similar accusations of using this tactic.
During the São Paulo Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc narrowly missed the podium, while Carlos Sainz faced mishaps during qualifying and the race. Ferrari remains locked in a fierce Constructors' Championship battle with McLaren and Red Bull, and it's clear that all three teams are scrutinizing one another's every move.
According to *Autosprint*, Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner initiated discussions around the alleged illegal tire-cooling system McLaren was suspected of using. The system reportedly involves spraying water inside the tires through the rim spokes to keep tire pressure stable, thereby reducing degradation and allowing for more aggressive, extended runs on the same set of tires. While Horner urged the FIA to investigate, the report mentioned "paddock rumors" suggesting that Ferrari might also have employed this system, although no concrete evidence of its use by any team has been found.
Red Bull is familiar with this strategy, having developed a similar cooling system between 2016 and 2018. They suspect that former employees, now working with other teams, may have transferred knowledge of this technique, though it has long been banned by the FIA. The system offers a theoretical advantage, but proving it is being used remains a significant challenge.
Meanwhile, Ferrari is already looking forward to the 2025 Formula 1 campaign, setting their sights on a stronger Constructors' Championship campaign. In 2024, Ferrari consistently contended for podiums and occasional race wins, though they have yet to dominate the field. Leclerc's win in Monaco owed much to his superb qualifying performance, while a strategic misstep by McLaren allowed him to seize victory at Monza. Ferrari also came close to securing a one-two finish in Mexico City, though McLaren's Lando Norris ultimately had the pace to prevail, leaving Ferrari to acknowledge McLaren's title chances this season.
Nonetheless, Ferrari has every reason to be optimistic, especially with the arrival of Lewis Hamilton in 2025 to replace Carlos Sainz. The Maranello team is confident that pairing Lewis Hamilton with Charles Leclerc will give them one of the strongest lineups on the grid. However, questions remain around Hamilton's form, as his qualifying performances against teammate George Russell this season suggest he may face more challenges at the Italian side than anticipated.
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