The FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, has found no evidence of teams adding extra moisture to their tyres and wheel rims during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, despite concerns raised by Red Bull. This latest development in the ongoing off-track battle between the top teams has shed light on the lengths they will go to gain a competitive edge in the 2024 season.

Uncovering the Truth Behind the Tyre-Cooling Allegations

FIA Inspection Finds No Irregularities

The FIA's investigation into the alleged tyre-cooling trick has concluded that there was no evidence of "extra moisture" in the tyres and wheel rims of the competing teams. This comes as a relief to the teams, particularly McLaren, who were accused by Red Bull of using this technique to gain an advantage.The reports suggest that Red Bull's suspicions originated at the Singapore Grand Prix, where Lando Norris' dominant victory over Max Verstappen raised eyebrows. Allegations of water and watermarks being spotted inside some rims after the race were made, but the FIA's subsequent inspection in Brazil found no such irregularities.

Pirelli Confirms No Evidence of Tyre Tampering

Pirelli, the sole tyre supplier for Formula 1, has also weighed in on the matter, with the head of their F1 and racing activities, Mario Isola, revealing that the Italian manufacturer has found no evidence of teams adding water to their tyres. The data collected by Pirelli during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend showed no abnormalities, further corroborating the FIA's findings.This development is a significant blow to Red Bull's claims, as the team was believed to have previously employed a similar tyre-cooling technique before it was outlawed by the FIA. The governing body's thorough investigation and Pirelli's confirmation of no wrongdoing have effectively cleared the teams of any wrongdoing, at least in this particular case.

The Ongoing Battle Between Red Bull and McLaren

The tyre-cooling allegations are the latest chapter in the off-track battle between Red Bull and McLaren, two of the top teams in the 2024 Formula 1 season. The teams have been engaged in a fierce rivalry, with each side accusing the other of pushing the boundaries of the regulations.Earlier in the season, McLaren was forced to modify their entire range of rear wings after a "mini-DRS" system was discovered, which was designed to improve the car's performance on the straights. Red Bull, on the other hand, found themselves at the center of the "bibgate" row ahead of the United States Grand Prix, related to a mechanism in the cockpit allowing the team to adjust the car's ride height.These ongoing disputes highlight the intense competition and the lengths teams will go to gain a competitive edge in the highly-contested 2024 Formula 1 championship.

Drivers Voice Concerns Over Wet Tyre Performance

While the tyre-cooling allegations have been dismissed, the performance of Pirelli's wet tyres has come under scrutiny from the drivers, with Fernando Alonso being the latest to voice his concerns. The Aston Martin driver criticized the wet tyres, stating that they often lead to aquaplaning and accidents, even when the conditions are not entirely severe.Alonso's comments echo the sentiments of many other drivers, who have long expressed their dissatisfaction with the wet tyre compound. The issue has been a bone of contention for some time, with many drivers feeling that the tyres are not up to the standard expected in the top class of motorsport.The FIA and Pirelli will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the situation and exploring ways to address the drivers' concerns, as ensuring the safety and performance of the wet tyres is crucial for the sport's continued success in challenging weather conditions.