– It is in the nature of sports to stretch the rules, says Viaplay commentator Atle Gulbrandsen about the accusations against Red Bull.
According to several media outlets, Red Bull suspects their main rival McLaren of filling their tires with water or another liquid to limit the temperature of the tires during races.
The reputable Auto Motor und Sport reports this. The Dutch Telegraaf also reports the same.
A potentially lower temperature would prevent wear and allow for higher speeds over time, but the method – if the suspicions are true – is not allowed in Formula 1.
The rulebook states that only air or nitrogen can be filled in the tires and that using other substances to reduce moisture is not permitted.
– We are in the final stages of a world championship. At this point, teams are willing to look for any loopholes and are also keen to report suspicious activities by other teams, explains Viaplay’s Gulbrandsen.
EXPLAINING: Atle Gulbrandsen believes the recent events are a result of being in the final stretch of the Formula 1 season.
The FIA has confirmed that they are investigating the allegations, while tire supplier Pirelli is said to have found nothing unusual in the tires.
More Accusations
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Lando Norris (McLaren) are competing for the championship title with four races left in the season.
McLaren leads the constructor championship with 581 points ahead of Ferrari (547) and Red Bull (518).
Allegations of various forms of foul play have been a recurring theme between the two major teams in recent months.
LARGE TEAM: This group is responsible for ensuring everything is in place for a good race for McLaren.
Gulbrandsen believes the latest accusations may fall into the same category, resulting in warnings rather than severe penalties.
– Often, such things cannot be proven. No one was caught for the other accusations when they were checked over the weekend, and then there comes a statement from the FIA (Motorsport Federation) that nothing was found, says the Viaplay commentator.
He points out that if anyone is actually filling the tires with liquid, it would be a significant competitive advantage.
– They would have a cooling liquid to prevent the tires from getting too hot. If one somehow achieves a lower temperature in the tires, it is a huge advantage, says Gulbrandsen.
Red Bull in Trouble
As mentioned, it is Red Bull and McLaren who are competing for the title in the drivers’ championship with Verstappen and Norris as the leading drivers.
– Red Bull has lost a lot in the constructor championship and is now in third place. The constructor’s championship decides the payouts teams receive when the season is finished, and there is a difference of 200 million Norwegian kroner in prize money from first to third place, he continues:
– Motorsport differs from other sports when it comes to stretching the rules. If you are caught cheating, there are incredibly severe penalties. But the thing with motorsport is that it is a materials sport and it is in their nature to find loopholes.
On Sunday, Verstappen defended the lead in the drivers’ championship in Brazil after an incredible performance where he drove from 17th place to victory.
Thus, Verstappen leads the championship standings by 62 points over Norris, who finished sixth in Brazil, with three weekends left in the season.
Time.news Interview: Editor with Atle Gulbrandsen on F1 Allegations
Editor: Welcome, Atle! Thank you for joining us today. The recent allegations surrounding Red Bull and McLaren have certainly raised eyebrows in the F1 community. Can you give us an overview of the current situation?
Atle Gulbrandsen: Absolutely! The tension has escalated between Red Bull and McLaren, especially with the stakes being so high as we approach the final races of the season. Red Bull is accusing McLaren of potentially using a tactic involving filling their tires with water or another liquid to manage tire temperatures—something strictly against the rules.
Editor: That sounds quite serious. What are the implications if these allegations are proven true?
Atle Gulbrandsen: Well, if it turns out to be true, it could provide McLaren with a significant competitive advantage, allowing for less tire wear and faster lap times. However, the rules are clear that only air or nitrogen should fill the tires. The FIA has already confirmed they’re investigating the claims, but so far, tire supplier Pirelli has not found anything unusual.
Editor: Given that we’re nearing the end of the championship, is this kind of behavior typical in Formula 1?
Atle Gulbrandsen: It’s part of the nature of the sport, really. Teams often look for every possible edge as they chase the championship. At this stage in the season, accusations can fly, and teams are quick to report any suspected infractions. The tension continues to build, and while it creates drama, it can also lead to a flurry of unfounded claims.
Editor: You mentioned that previous tensions have also arisen between the teams. Can you elaborate on those incidents?
Atle Gulbrandsen: Certainly! Just recently, Red Bull raised concerns about McLaren’s rear wing being too flexible during the race in Baku. Shortly after, McLaren accused Red Bull of having an illegal height-adjusting feature. The FIA investigated both claims but found no rules were broken, yet they took measures to address concerns. It shows how closely teams monitor each other, especially when championships are on the line.
Editor: With Max Verstappen and Lando Norris both in the championship hunt, how do you envision this situation affecting their performance and the overall dynamics?
Atle Gulbrandsen: The pressure is immense. With McLaren leading the constructor standings and both drivers aiming for personal success, it adds an extra layer of seriousness to the allegations. It’s not just about proving innocence or guilt; it’s about how all of this plays into their mental game during races. Often, things like this can lead to distractions, which can impact performance on the track.
Editor: Do you think the FIA will impose significant penalties if they find evidence of wrongdoing, or will it likely end in warnings as you hinted earlier?
Atle Gulbrandsen: Historically, in similar situations, penalties tend to be more about warnings rather than severe sanctions, mainly if the evidence is circumstantial or hard to prove. F1 is a sport built on trust and competition, and often these alleged infractions can’t be definitively proven. So, while the investigation is important for maintaining integrity, I wouldn’t expect anything too severe unless there’s clear evidence of wrongdoing.
Editor: It seems we’ll have to wait and see how this unfolds in the coming weeks! Thank you, Atle, for your insights. It’s an exciting time for Formula 1 fans!
Atle Gulbrandsen: Thank you for having me! The next few races are bound to be thrilling, both on and off the track!