Ferrari responds decisively to Red Bull’s allegations about McLaren tire trick in Brazil. Ferrari not playing politics in latest cheating accusations.

As the latest Formula 1 controversy heats up, Red Bull has voiced suspicions that McLaren is injecting water into their tyres through the valves to regulate temperatures, a tactic that could extend the tyres’ performance window. However, Ferrari’s team principal Frederic Vasseur is perplexed by the notion, questioning why any team would adopt such a method. He did note, though, that reducing humidity is a universal objective for all teams.

Reports from German magazine Auto Motor und Sport suggest Red Bull’s suspicions may extend beyond McLaren, with claims that “several teams,” including Ferrari, could be using similar techniques. By injecting small amounts of water, teams may be able to keep tyres cooler for longer, gaining a competitive edge.

Frederic Vasseur, however, is quick to dismiss any involvement in the latest paddock politics surrounding these cheating allegations. Unfazed by the speculation, he remains committed to steering clear of the season’s contentious back-and-forth between Red Bull and McLaren, avoiding the ongoing political fray while staying focused on Ferrari’s performance and integrity.

“I don’t know where,” – the French manager replied during the Sao Paulo weekend when asked by the media about the Red Bull accusations – “I won’t go into this field because that it is one of the assets of the team this year to stay away from all the polemics. I don’t understand the theory because I think we are all trying to remove humidity from everywhere, not to add something into the tyres.”

Amid reports that the FIA is scrutinizing tyre protocols more closely, Red Bull finally broke their winless streak, taking their first Grand Prix victory in 11 races. Max Verstappen delivered a remarkable performance at the rain-soaked Brazilian GP, charging from 17th on the grid to claim victory with a decisive 19.4-second lead over Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.

After the race, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was asked in a media briefing if Red Bull’s return to form was merely coincidental or possibly influenced by the FIA’s increased focus on tyre practices. Horner, however, remained tight-lipped, replying only with a brief, “No comment.”