In the weeks since the Singapore GP, tensions have risen within the F1 paddock. Red Bull are suspected of exploiting a trick to adjust their ride height under parc fermé conditions. Several teams have raised their concerns to the FIA, triggering a change in the FIA’s scrutineering procedures.
Red Bull deny rival accusations of ride-height trick
It was yesterday that Motorsport first revealed suspicions of a team using a trick to make changes during parc fermé conditions. Parc fermé (enforced after qualifying) prohibits teams from making pre-race changes, aside from minor front wing tweaks.
Per Motorsport’s initial report, it is suspected the car’s ‘bib’ is being adjusted – which is located between the front of the floor and the chassis.
Being able to adjust the ‘bib’ between qualifying and the race would result have a notable impact on performance. Most significantly, it would allow for ride height changes and a more optimised set-up for a race distance.
The theory is that a team could have developed a system to adjust the bib’s floor clearance through settings changes from the cockpit. This would allow for alterations to go undetected by FIA checks.
According to Erik van Haren of De Telegraaf, Red Bull are the team accused of using this trick.
FIA to implement stronger procedural checks
Red Bull strongly deny these claims, and the FIA emphasise there is no evidence of any breach.
However, the FIA have issued a statement assuring that changes will be implemented to ensure a tighter scrutineering process:
“Any adjustment to the height of the bib in parc fermé is strictly prohibited. Although we have no indication that any team is using such a system, the FIA remains vigilant in its supervision to improve the sport.
“That is why we have made procedural adjustments to ensure that the bib cannot be adjusted so easily.
“In certain cases, we can affix a seal to ensure that everyone complies with the rules.”
As the Championship battle between Verstappen and Norris intensifies, off-track disputes like this one will become of critical importance.
