Red Bull have made a change to their car over a ride-height device after talks with the FIA ahead of this weekend’s United States GP.
In a fresh technical controversy on the sport’s arrival in Austin where the fierce F1 title battle between Red Bull and McLaren prepares to resume, it emerged the FIA has been made aware of the possible ability of a team to change their car’s ride height via the ‘bib’ at the front of the floor when under restricted ‘parc ferme’ conditions between qualifying and the race.
Cars are placed in parc ferme after qualifying and ahead of the race, where very limited changes are allowed. The only bodywork that can be adjusted is on the front wing using existing parts.
A Red Bull spokesperson confirmed in a statement that it was their RB20 which contained such a ride-height device but said it was not accessible to use when the car was fully assembled.
“Yes, [it] exists, although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run,” said the Red Bull spokesperson.
“In the numerous correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up and we have agreed a plan going forward.”
In an earlier statement in a story first reported by Autosport, the FIA earlier said it had “not received any indication of any team employing such a system”.
Still, the governing body made clear the use of any such device would be against the regulations and it would increase monitoring to make sure no such systems were being used.
“Any adjustment of the front bib clearance during parc ferme conditions is strictly prohibited by the regulations,” said the FIA statement.
“While we have not received any indication of any team employing such a system, the FIA remains vigilant in our ongoing efforts to enhance the policing of the sport.
“As part of this, we have implemented procedural adjustments to ensure that front bib clearance cannot be easily modified.
“In some cases, this may involve the application of a seal to provide further assurance of compliance.”
What’s the importance of ride height in F1?
Formula 1 teams will try to run their cars as low to the ground as possible without wearing out the underside plank, in a bid to gain downforce and performance.
This is particularly important in qualifying when outright one-lap speed is needed.
In the race, the teams will want the car ride height to be slightly higher as more fuel is in the car and a higher ride height will create more stability.
But, since you cannot adjust this under parc ferme, the teams need to find a compromise in the ride height.
Sky Sports F1’s live United States GP schedule
Friday October 18
6pm: United States GP Practice One (session starts at 6.30pm*)
8.30pm: Team Principals’ Press Conference
10pm: United States GP Sprint Qualifying (qualifying starts at 10.30pm*)
Saturday October 19
6pm: United States GP Sprint build-up
7pm: United States GP Sprint
8.30pm: Ted’s Sprint Notebook
10pm: United States GP Qualifying build-up*
11pm: United States GP Qualifying*
(Sunday) 1am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the United States Grand Prix
Sunday October 20
6.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: United States GP build-up*
8pm: THE UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX*
10pm: Chequered Flag: United States GP reaction
11pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event (Sunday’s race build-up from 7.15pm)
Just six races remain in Formula 1 2024 and the season resumes with a Sprint weekend at the United States Grand Prix in Austin from this Friday, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
