Red Bull Plans Car Modifications After FIA Discussions

Red Bull has confirmed plans to modify their car after discussions with the FIA. Rival teams claimed that a device in the cockpit could adjust the height of the car’s front floor. Concerns arose that this feature might allow teams to change the car’s setup between qualifying and race sessions. However, parc ferme regulations prohibit such adjustments.

A Red Bull spokesperson acknowledged the device’s existence, stating, “Yes, [the device] exists, although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run.” The FIA clarified that teams must not adjust the front bib clearance during parc ferme conditions. They also emphasized their commitment to effectively policing the sport. To enhance compliance, the FIA has implemented procedural changes.

These include sealing components to prevent unauthorized adjustments. Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s drivers’ championship leader, downplayed the impact of these changes on performance.  He explained, “For us, it was just an easy tool… but once the whole car is built together, you can’t touch it. So, for us, it doesn’t change anything.” Lando Norris of McLaren, who competes with Verstappen for the title, noted that teams may have the device on their cars.

However, he emphasized that its exploitation remains uncertain. He expressed skepticism about its potential to shift competitive dynamics, stating, “They have not got several poles and wins just for such a device.” Sources indicate that rivals alerted the FIA to this device during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. They observed it in open-source documents that teams must submit regarding their car designs.

The ability to adjust the floor height could help teams better balance their setups for qualifying and racing. Typically, they prefer a lower car for qualifying and a higher one for races. The F1 season resumes this weekend at the United States Grand Prix in Austin’s Circuit of the Americas.