FIA reaches conclusion after thorough Red Bull investigation

FIA reaches conclusion after thorough Red Bull investigation

Red Bull Racing has been cleared of any wrongdoing following a comprehensive investigation by the FIA into allegations that the team was using an illegal device to alter the ride height of its car in between qualifying sessions and race days. The investigation stemmed from concerns raised ahead of the 2024 United States Grand Prix after it was revealed that Red Bull had been using a system to adjust the front-bib clearance of its RB20, commonly referred to as the T-tray.

The T-tray is an integral component of an F1 car’s floor, positioned in the center front part of the car, and is crucial for controlling airflow and the car’s overall aerodynamic performance. Teams typically seek a lower ride height for qualifying sessions to improve aerodynamics and achieve faster lap times, while they adjust the car to run slightly higher during a race for better stability and to avoid damage from bumps or curbs. However, under the sport’s “parc fermé” regulations, teams are prohibited from making adjustments to the car’s setup, including ride height, between qualifying and the race itself. This rule is in place to ensure a level playing field and prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage.

The controversy began after the Singapore Grand Prix, when it came to light that Red Bull had a system in place that could adjust the front-bib clearance of its car. This adjustment mechanism was discovered through open-source documents that teams submit to the FIA detailing the design and components of their cars. The publication of these documents raised suspicions among Red Bull’s competitors, who voiced concerns to the FIA. This led to the governing body launching a detailed investigation into the matter.

In response to these concerns, the FIA introduced immediate procedural changes to prevent teams from easily modifying the front-bib clearance. This included the possibility of sealing certain components to prevent unauthorized adjustments, and these new measures were enforced at the very next race in Austin, Texas.

Following this, the FIA took further action by conducting a thorough inspection of Red Bull Racing’s cars. FIA technical representatives visited the team’s headquarters in Milton Keynes, where they carried out a detailed investigation into the front-floor design and its potential for manipulation between qualifying and race sessions. This inspection was part of the FIA’s regular compliance checks, which are designed to ensure that all teams adhere to the technical, sporting, and financial regulations of Formula 1. These inspections can take place at the circuit during race weekends or, as in this case, at the teams’ factories.

After completing their investigation, the FIA issued a statement confirming that no violation of the rules had been found. The governing body concluded that Red Bull Racing had not breached any regulations concerning the use of the front-bib clearance system. This finding reaffirmed the position the FIA had taken prior to the United States Grand Prix, when it declared that there was no cause for concern regarding the legality of Red Bull’s setup.

The FIA also reiterated that it takes any allegations of regulatory breaches very seriously and that it is common for teams to raise concerns about their competitors’ compliance with the rules, particularly when the championship battle is close. In the highly competitive 2024 season, where the title race has been intense, the FIA’s scrutiny of technical issues has been heightened, and they have been vigilant in responding to any claims that might impact the integrity of the competition.

Despite the controversy, Red Bull Racing was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing, and the FIA’s investigation has put to rest any suspicions about the legality of their car’s front-floor system. The team will now be able to continue focusing on its performance in the remaining races of the season without further distraction from the allegations.

The case highlights the ongoing importance of transparency and adherence to the rules in Formula 1, as well as the role of the FIA in maintaining fairness and upholding the integrity of the sport. The investigation has also emphasized the rigorous nature of the checks and inspections carried out by the FIA to ensure that all teams comply with the technical and regulatory standards of F1.