Formula 1 competition is heating up this season as McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes have caught up to Red Bull after the latter unleashed unreal dominance in 2023 season. RB20 is no longer the fastest car on the grid as MCL38 has been 2-3 tenths ahead since the Miami Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, while Red Bull’s upgrade development is restricted due to lack of wind tunnel time, the drink based outfit has resorted to different means to slow down McLaren. After reporting both Mercedes and McLaren over illegality of front wing upgrade, Red Bull has now approached FIA again to snitch on McLaren’s additional cooling sensor.
Red Bull Suspects McLaren Used Extra Illegal Cooling Channel
Red Bull Racing and McLaren have been at loggerheads this season, not just on the track but also on the paddock. While Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have been at each other’s throats, CEOs Christian Horner and Zak Brown haven’t shied away from throwing verbal punches either. Meanwhile, the drink based outfit is exploring every means to somehow slow down the competition, especially McLaren. In a recent development, AutoMotor und Sport reported that RB lodged an official complaint with FIA to report a suspected usage of the extra cooling channel, which is not permitted in FIA rule books. The Bulls alleged that McLaren left open an additional cooling sensor in the brake drum during the race and qualifying sessions in the past few weekends.
However, as per FIA rules, those sensors are only effective in free practice sessions to allow teams to generate more data. All teams are directed to close those sensors during the race and qualifying sessions. Meanwhile, FIA reportedly conducted a necessary inspection of Red Bull’s complaints and found that those sensor holes were covered with adhesive tape to comply with the FIA regulations. Hence, for now, the sport’s governing body will not intervene. However, to avoid the regular occurrence of such complaints, FIA has mandated teams to get their upgrade package, including innovations and parts considered questionable, approved by the stewards before every race weekend. Meanwhile, McLaren is yet to react to these accusations by the Bulls. This isn’t the first time Horner and his team have cracked a whip on McLaren. Earlier, they reported their front wing before FIA squashed the complaint.
Zak Brown Calls Out Red Bull’s Disrespect Towards Regulations
Following the Austria crash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, McLaren CEO Zak Brown called out Red Bull for being dishonest towards FIA regulation. He said Christian Horner and his side have repeatedly violated the financial and sporting regulations and that no one should promote unhealthy racing.
“I just don’t think that’s how we need to go racing, and we need to guide our drivers on what’s right or wrong,” Zak Brown said. Not only that, the McLaren CEO accused Red Bull of being scared of Max Verstappen since they never called him out for his mistakes and unnecessary aggression on the track. However, Horner hit back, stating that he wouldn’t dignify Brown’s accusation by responding to it.
To stay up-to-date with the New York Yankees 2024 season, keep following Sports News International
