Red Bull files complaint against McLaren brake ducts
It has emerged that Red Bull has recently filed a complaint against the design of McLaren’s brake drums, claiming that they feature a hole that serves cooling purposes.
While Red Bull appeared to be the field-leading car in the opening stages of the season, McLaren have closed in on the Milton Keynes-headquartered squad in the recent months.
The rejuvenated McLaren enabled Lando Norris to take his first career victory in Miami, followed by further podium places from the Briton and his team-mate Oscar Piastri.
It is therefore no wonder that Red Bull has been constantly monitoring McLaren’s upgrades, trying to find put the reasons for the Woking-based outfit’s improved performance.
It has now emerged that Red Bull suspect McLaren has been using a trick to keep tyre temperatures under control. German publication Auto, Motor und Sport’s lead journalist Michael Schmidt claims that Red Bull discovered a hole on the brake drums of the MCL38 that is believed to cool tyres down.
“Red Bull recently discovered an additional hole on the brake ventilation drums of the McLaren MCL38 at the front and rear that shouldn’t be there".
It is believed the hole could simply be to access a sensor, which is commonplace up and down pitlane, although correspondent Michael Schmidt explained: "Red Bull suspects McLaren created an additional cooling channel that is not allowed".
"According to Red Bull’s observations, the holes were apparently open at some races. After a complaint, the FIA took a closer look. At the last two grands prix, the sensor access points were closed, as required by the rules.”
The rules allow a hole in the brake drums, but only for Friday’s practice sessions, making additional measures possible. However, it is not permitted to use any hole for cooling purposes.
“The rules are clear on this point. The FIA allows the teams to mount sensors in the brake drums in the free training sessions on Friday to collect data.
“From Saturday, the holes must either disappear or be covered. In addition to McLaren, this is allegedly practiced by a second team” noted the respected journalist.
