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Red Bull Racing has confirmed that changes will be made to their car after discussions with Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, following concerns raised by rival teams. The issue centers around a device in the Red Bull cockpit that rivals suspected could adjust the height of the car’s front floor, potentially giving the team an advantage between qualifying and races, a time when such changes are prohibited under parc ferme regulations.
A Red Bull spokesperson acknowledged the existence of the device but clarified that it could not be accessed once the car was fully assembled and ready to race. “In numerous correspondences with the FIA, this part came up, and we have agreed on a plan going forward,” the spokesperson said.
The FIA confirmed that any adjustments to the car’s front bib clearance during parc ferme are strictly forbidden. While they have not found evidence of any team using such a system, the FIA announced enhanced procedures to prevent any potential misuse, including the possible sealing of parts to ensure compliance.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s championship leader, downplayed the issue, saying the device would have no impact on the car’s performance. “For us, it was just an easy tool to adjust when the parts were off. Once the car is built together, you can’t touch it. So it doesn’t change anything for us,” Verstappen said.
McLaren’s Lando Norris, who is competing against Verstappen for the drivers’ title, noted that while the device’s presence could have some effect, Red Bull’s dominance could not be attributed solely to such a tool. “They haven’t got several poles and wins just because of a device like this,” Norris commented.
The FIA became aware of the device during the Singapore Grand Prix after reviewing open-source component documents submitted by teams. While the part has now drawn attention, the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas will provide the first opportunity to see if these changes impact Red Bull’s performance on track.
