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Apparently this started with an article written in Japanese (and translated by different means) that implied some teams were using titanium hardware that either was being heated artificially or had unusual expansion characteristics. And when it's hot it stands proud of the surfboard, which protects it from erosion.

That part of the theory makes sense (as far as that goes), I just first encountered it in a poor interpretation of a questionable translation. I've since found other sites explaining it more comprehensibly. The TR doesn't mention expansion but it does prescribe the titanium must be AMS4928 or AMS4911, and the ASM specs place limits on "linear expansion coefficient."

I've also found articles that say the whole deal is a nothingburger, even that the FIA is fully aware but has poo-pooed the idea that there's anything gained from it, and others saying the FIA is on high alert.

https://www.as-web.jp/f1/1270195?all