The FIA is reported to have conducted further investigation into the rear brake system of the MCL39. After every Grand Prix, the governing body selects a car from the top ten for closer inspection. However, the investigation into the McLaren car is being closely monitored by competitors. Several teams, including Red Bull, are said to have expressed concerns about McLaren’s advantage in the area of rear brake drum cooling. This is a crucial factor in the car’s ability to control tyre temperature.
McLaren proved once again in Miami to be the team to beat. Both Oscar Piastri (P1) and Lando Norris (P2) crossed the finish line a good thirty seconds ahead of best of the rest George Russell. One of the secrets behind McLaren’s dominance is the team’s superior tyre management. While other drivers struggled with rapid tyre degradation in Florida, the McLaren drivers seemed to have no problem at all.
Red Bull appears to have thought it was high time for a closer investigation. The Austrian racing team is said to have tried to measure the temperature at the cooling slots of the MCL39’s brakes with thermal cameras, according to the German Auto, Motor und Sport.
FIA’s Further Investigation
The FIA reportedly chose to investigate the same MCL39, including the rear brake system, after the Miami GP. The governing body selects a car from the top ten after each race for closer inspection. The results of this inspection are expected to be announced on the Wednesday preceding the Emilia-Romagna GP. The technical delegation has not yet made a report for the stewards. This is usually a sign that the car in question, in this case the MCL39, complies with the rules.
Team boss Andrea Stella also addressed his team’s good tyre management after the Miami GP. “There is very good technical work behind it,” the Italian told the media present. “We have looked holistically at all the characteristics that a car can have and that influence the behaviour of the tyres.”
