The FIA has issued a directive to all Formula 1 teams outlawing devices that facilitate ride height adjustments under parc ferme conditions. This move follows concerns raised by rival teams during the Singapore Grand Prix, suggesting such devices could breach regulations by providing a competitive advantage. Under current rules, teams are only allowed to adjust front wing flaps between qualifying and the race. The FIA’s strict stance emphasizes maintaining fairness in car setups, and Red Bull Racing, among others, must now ensure compliance with these updated regulations.
Red Bull’s Compliance and Device Purpose
Red Bull Racing has confirmed the existence of a device on their RB20 car but clarified its limited use. A senior team representative explained that while the device simplifies setup changes during assembly, it is inaccessible when the car is fully assembled. Red Bull has engaged with the FIA and agreed to modify the device to comply with the regulations. Max Verstappen also confirmed that the device’s purpose was to ease adjustments during maintenance rather than to exploit a competitive advantage during races.
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The device in question allows teams to optimize the car’s ride height for different scenarios: lower for qualifying to maximize performance and higher for races to avoid damage under fuel load. The FIA has explicitly prohibited any adjustments to the car’s front bib clearance during parc ferme conditions. To enhance regulatory enforcement, the FIA may now require seals on such devices to prevent undetected use. This procedural adjustment reflects the governing body’s commitment to ensuring no team gains an unfair edge.
Rival Teams’ Reactions and Open-Source Insight
Rival teams became aware of Red Bull’s device through open-source technical documents shared with the FIA. This transparency, a hallmark of F1 regulations, inadvertently exposed the device’s existence. McLaren driver Oscar Piastri criticized the device, stating that it appeared to cross the line from innovative to non-compliant. Meanwhile, Verstappen expressed surprise at the controversy, emphasizing the device’s limited role in Red Bull’s setup and noting that it does not impact performance once the car is race-ready.
The controversy comes at a pivotal time, with Red Bull trailing McLaren by 41 points in the constructors’ championship. Verstappen’s dominance earlier in the season has waned, with McLaren’s Lando Norris narrowing the gap significantly. As the season progresses, the focus on compliance and innovation within the technical regulations will remain critical. This situation underscores the balance between pushing technological boundaries and adhering to the rules, a defining aspect of Formula 1 competition.
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