Red Bull reportedly queries FIA on McLaren brake drum scheme

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Ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Red Bull has reportedly raised questions with the FIA regarding the legality of the rear brake drums on McLaren’s MCL38.

A small hole spotted on the MCL38’s rear brake drum has sparked intrigue, with the suspicion being that it aids airflow and crucial tyre temperature management.

Regulations allow this extra hole for sensor use during practice sessions, but it needs to be covered during races.

According to a report from Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull claims this requirement has been ignored by McLaren in several events.

F1 teams have long sought a way to manage the heat generated by the brakes inside the drum, ensuring it doesn't lead to tyre overheating that compromises performance.

Read also: Brown sees Red Bull ‘fractures’ weighing on team long-term

According to AMuS, the FIA investigated the issue and determined that the holes in the brake drums were covered in the last two races at the Red Bull Ring and at Silverstone.

Interestingly, at the Austrian race, McLaren’s Lando Norris displayed superior tyre life in the closing stages of the event, pressuring Max Verstappen after a Red Bull pit-stop mishap, just before the pair’s run-in.

Whether McLaren only addressed the issue after Red Bull's complaint remains unclear, but the FIA seems to have deemed it compliant at this point.

With the spotlight on their brake drums, McLaren's tyre management at the Hungaroring will obviously be under close scrutiny this weekend, especially with the hot temperatures and the circuit's nature emphasizing efficient tyre care.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.