FIA checks more Formula 1 teams after Red Bull ‘scam’

The FIA ​​is testing the front keel adjusters of several cars at this weekend’s US Grand Prix amid suspicions that Red Bull may have used the device after parc rules were activated.

The controversy has attracted a lot of attention in the Formula 1 paddock in Austin after Red Bull admitted it has such a device after Motorsport.com reported that the FIA ​​had taken strong action against this type of part. Singapore Grand Prix.

Ahead of FP1 at Circuit of the Americas, McLaren F1 Team Principal Zac Brownasked the FIA ​​to conduct a “very thorough investigation” into this matter in an interview with the publication Sky Sport F1.

After a single hour-long training session this weekend, images captured by Sky cameras showed: FIA stewards inspect the area in question in one of the Red Bull RB20s..

However, Motorsport.com recognizes that The governing body carries out similar checks throughout the pit lane. from Austin this Friday.

All of these checks are part of data collection to ensure that those adjustable parts found in all cars do not need to be sealed to prevent modification between qualifying and the race.

Red Bull is expected to make changes to its car in this regard ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix in two weeks’ time.

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FIA delegates control Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing RB20

Photo: Andreas Beil

All Formula 1 teams have systems to more or less change the height of the front fin where the driver’s number is placed on the nose, but the notion that Red Bull’s device could be used to change its settings between qualifying and racing is erroneous. the main reason why this topic has become so controversial.

Red Bull categorically denies ever using the regulator in this way.and the FIA ​​also stated that it was satisfied that there was no evidence that any team had broken the rules.

FIA single seater boss, Nicholas Tombazishe wanted to clarify the situation again Sky Friday that he was satisfied the matter had been resolved that way: “We had no indication that anyone had done anything like that,” he said. “So we said there shouldn’t be an opportunity to do something like that in this race.”

“If the team has a design that allows them to quickly change heights, then it will have to be reconsidered; in a closed park they will not be able to access it. I think all teams adhered to these rules. As far as we are concerned, this concerns us.” , it’s completely under control.”

Motorsport.com sources also suggested that the official investigation requested by Brown has not yet been accepted by the FIA ​​and that the random checks currently being carried out throughout the circuit are not part of the process.

Tombazis added that The FIA ​​will not attempt to review previous races to check whether the rules were followed or not.: “We are talking about a couple of millimeters or something (changes).”

“We’re actually talking about very, very small numbers. I don’t think we can come back and prove it. But, as I said, we have no indication, evidence or anything like that that anything illegal took place.” has happened so far.”

Zac Brown also met the press in Austin on Friday and told the official press conference that Red Bull is “the only team with the ability to adjust ride height from the cockpit.”

“Whether they did it or not, I have no idea, but the possibility of doing it already raises some questions.”

Brown added that one of the questions he and McLaren want answered is “what may have happened so far” and “understand if it has been used inappropriately“.

Asked by Motorsport.com how long they suspected there might be something illegal about the Red Bull device, and how long they waited for the FIA ​​to look into it, he replied: “Because the device had the ability to be adjusted from inside the cockpit – it’s likely , something to pay attention to.

Brown also suggested McLaren weren’t the only team to have “concerns from what we’ve seen and heard” about the situation. “We just trust the FIA ​​to remove doubts going forward,” Brown said.

“We’re just asking questions, but it’s up to the FIA ​​as the regulator, which does a great job, to catch up and come up with something new.” a solution that is transparent and satisfactory for all teams“.

“I don’t think I’m the only one who is concerned about what we’ve seen and heard,” he added.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, at the FIA ​​press conference

Photo: Sam Bagnall/Motorsport Images

He spoke with Brown at a press conference Laurent Mekiesmanager of the junior team of Red Bull, RB.

The ex-Ferrari explained that FIA procedures already prohibit the team from acting as Red Bull suspects: “There are a lot of things that can be tweaked in a racing car, but the parc ferme rules are not entirely new, they have already been there.” for 15 years,” said the former safety director and then deputy racing director of the FIA.

“So for 15 years the FIA ​​had to look at whether we were adjusting things that we could adjust mechanically between qualifying and the race.”

“There’s nothing new here, so I don’t think it’s new stress. You can change the front or rear suspension height, anti-roll bar or shock settings, probably with the click of a mouse or a wrench.”

“But the FIA ​​will make sure you don’t. And we have cameras and marshals in our garages, around the cars, the entire time we are in the garage, from the end of qualifying until the start of the race.” .

“So I don’t think it’s a further concern. The FIA ​​needs to make sure that we don’t touch any of the characteristics or settings of the car at all, and I don’t think there’s anything new.”