Following the Miami Grand Prix, McLaren has been officially cleared by the FIA after an investigation into alleged illegal methods used to cool their tyres with liquid. The Woking-based team`s impressive performance had reportedly led some competitors to suspect them of using techniques outside the regulations to maintain optimal tyre temperatures during races.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown even made light of these suspicions during the Miami event, bringing a bottle playfully labeled `tire water` to the pit wall.
Leading up to this weekend`s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the FIA published a technical delegate`s report from the Miami race held on May 4th. The report detailed post-race checks where Oscar Piastri`s car, number 81, was randomly chosen from the top ten for more detailed inspections.
According to the document, these physical inspections focused on the wheel bodywork assemblies. Checks were conducted on all four corners of the car to verify compliance with Technical Regulation Article 3.13, which concerns wheel bodywork, and Article 11.5, which specifically prohibits the liquid cooling of brakes. The report concluded that all inspected components were found to be in full conformance with the 2024 Formula One Technical Regulations.
The document also mentioned that Charles Leclerc`s Ferrari was checked for compliance regarding elements such as the steering wheel assembly and clutch operating device and was also found to be compliant.
Drivers React to Clearance
Following McLaren`s significant step forward in pace, particularly highlighted by Lando Norris`s victory in Miami, questions arose from rivals. Addressing the speculation and the subsequent clearance, Oscar Piastri stated that he had no concerns about the rumors from the beginning.
I honestly haven`t read anything because I`ve not been concerned. Clearly it`s all been passed. I had no concerns, so play on.
Piastri even joked about the situation, suggesting future lighthearted actions:
Maybe next time we`ll put some little figurines in a water slide as well. We`ll come up with something.
Red Bull`s Max Verstappen also commented on McLaren`s performance, acknowledging their current form.
I have also never said that it was not fine. They are clearly doing something very clever, and you have to give them credit for it.
