Sieper wrote: ↑29 Jul 2024, 12:33
Well, were they? I think it is really weird the teams are allowed to empty out the fuel tank. What is to say they actually do that every race. They only double checked Russell as he was EXACTLY on the minimum weight, which triggered suspicion. Others might also have left some fuel in the tank. Or accumulator. Or some place else even. With margins this close things like this are now very important. And thus to check by FIA, they must empty out the tank.
Horner offered competing insight (not intentionally or as criticism, but to answer a question placed) that's very valid and gives insight to all the teams approach.
They MUST provide fuel sample at end to fulfill 1 ltr sample I believe for analysis, anything extra drawn from the car is effectively carried as "ballast" throughout the whole race. They aim to have no surplus from this aspect to keep as close to target as possible. Thats clear and strategically logical.
This race, they didn't need to keep any fuel for a long cool down lap (reduces start kg) but they SEEMED to have that amount (looks like 2.27 kg per lap at race speed ) but no marbles available in "hard" weight to be accumulated either.
They have to meet the minimum weight, regardless of tyre wear, thats not a valid reasoning.
Looks like they gambled too far with their start weight to reasonably come out at target or slightly above at race end.
Also looks like they tried to hide it as well with the fudging of weigh /empty procedure etc.