McLaren is at the center of a technological intrigue over a trick that might improve tire temperature management ahead of the Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix. As first reported by German motoring magazine Auto Motor Und Sport, the team’s brake drum design has recently attracted the attention of arch rival Red Bull, who are understood to have lodged queries with the FIA (International Automobile Federation) regarding what their rival is up to.
The problem is that the rear brake drum of the MCL38 has small holes in it. Competitors claim that the holes might allow McLaren to increase the airflow between the brake drum and the wheel. This would prevent excessive temperature build-up during both qualifying and the race. F1 teams have been looking for ways to control the heat generated by the brakes inside the drum and prevent the tires from overheating or rising outside of their operating tolerances. Teams use double baskets to isolate the tires from the heat source of the brakes. The first carbon cover that covers the brake caliper and disc has special ducts that allow hot air to pass through the ducts and exit to an outlet behind the brake duct. The second basket acts as a buffer, creating a cavity between the wheel and the first drum, allowing fresh air to be pumped in and aid cooling. Drilling holes in this outer channel allows fresh air to blow towards the wheel rim, providing a cooling effect. The main problem, however, is that such holes are not strictly permitted by the rules, as the drum is required to have a “continuous” surface. Article 3.13.2 of the F1 technical regulations states that “Each drum must be fitted with a circumferentially continuous (on a 360-degree arc) and uniform aerodynamic seal on the outside of the two annotated volumes to prevent significant aerodynamic or heat transfer flows between the drum and the axle.” However, the presence of the hole is not necessarily a violation of the rules, as there are indications that it is being used to allow McLaren access to sensors used to monitor the drum and wheel temperatures in practice. F1 regulations allow teams to add additional devices during practice that are outside the specifications of the regulations, such as aerodynamic rakes, but once parc ferme for qualifying is in force, the car must fully comply with the regulations. In theory, holes are allowed in practice, but they must be plugged from qualifying onwards. It is understood that Red Bull had checked with the FIA regarding the situation, as they were aware that McLaren’s holes had not been covered in previous races. According to sources, the FIA looked into the matter and determined it was not a major issue, but quietly reminded McLaren that the hole needed to be plugged in parc ferme conditions. The change was discovered during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, when McLaren ran different configurations for the sprint race and the main race. In the sprint race on Saturday, McLaren’s hole was left uncovered, while in the main race, a small piece of tape was used to cover the hole. The change was allowed for the Red Bull Ring weekend because parc ferme resumed following the sprint race, allowing each team to make any changes they needed before qualifying in the followingnoon. The slight change, covered with tape, did not seem to affect McLaren’s pace in Austria, but Lando Norris ended up fighting Max Verstappen for the win in the race at the Red Bull Ring, with contact late in the race. The potential impact at the British Grand Prix was also unclear, because the weather was so changeable throughout the weekend that tire overheating was not as big an issue. But with the brake drum issue now in the public eye, more attention will undoubtedly be focused on McLaren’s long-run pace at the Hungaroring this weekend, where the high temperatures and the nature of the circuit mean tire wear will be a major issue for tire-conscious teams.
McLaren’s Brake Drum Trick: A Technological Intrigue in Formula 1
The world of Formula 1 is a constant battleground for innovation and technological advancements. Teams are always looking for the next edge, the next tweak that will give them an advantage on the track. And lately, McLaren has found itself at the center of a technological intrigue over a curious detail on their car: a seemingly innocuous hole in their brake drum.
The Mystery of the Hole
As reported by German motoring magazine Auto Motor Und Sport, McLaren’s brake drum design has caught the attention of rival Red Bull. The team’s rear brake drum features small holes, which competitors claim might be used to increase airflow between the drum and the wheel. This, in theory, would help manage tire temperature, a crucial factor in Formula 1 racing.
The Importance of Tire Temperature Management
Teams expend significant resources to control the heat generated by the brakes. This is because excessive heat can cause tires to overheat, leading to a loss of grip and performance. The challenge for engineers is to find a balance between cooling the brakes and ensuring the tires remain within their optimal operating range.
How McLaren’s Hole Might Work
The idea behind the holes is that they would allow fresh air to be drawn into the brake drum, aiding in cooling the wheel. Current regulations require a “continuous” surface on the brake drum, but it’s possible that the holes might be used for other purposes, such as housing temperature sensors.
The FIA’s Response
Red Bull, sensing a possible loophole, lodged a query with the FIA (International Automobile Federation) regarding McLaren’s brake drum design. The FIA reviewed the matter and, while acknowledging that the holes technically violate the rules, decided not to pursue the matter aggressively.
The FIA’s Reasoning
The FIA likely took a pragmatic view, understanding that McLaren’s holes, while technically once morest the rules, appeared to be for data acquisition purposes, something permitted during practice sessions. The FIA ultimately reminded McLaren that the holes would need to be plugged once parc ferme (a period where cars cannot be modified) is in effect, beginning with qualifying.
The Impact on McLaren’s Performance
It remains unclear whether the holes in the brake drum have a significant impact on McLaren’s performance. The team ran different configurations for the sprint race and the main race at the Austrian Grand Prix, with the holes being left uncovered in the sprint race and covered with tape in the main race. The change didn’t appear to affect McLaren’s pace, with Lando Norris battling Max Verstappen for the win in the main race.
The Hungaroring: A Test of Tyre Management
The upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix will be a particularly interesting test for McLaren’s brake drum setup. The high temperatures and the nature of the Hungaroring circuit will put a premium on tire management. If McLaren’s hole does indeed play a role in keeping tires within their optimal operating range, we might see it make a difference in their race performance.
Conclusion
The McLaren brake drum hole saga is a testament to the constant innovation and maneuvering that take place in Formula 1. The FIA’s decision to allow McLaren to continue using the holes, albeit with the requirement to cover them during qualifying and the race, suggests that the organization is willing to be flexible as long as teams don’t cross a certain line. It will be interesting to see if McLaren’s brake drum design becomes a trend in the sport or if other teams find different ways to manage tire temperatures.
