After admitting to having a device that can alter ride height and bypass steward inspections, Red Bull have agreed to make the appropriate changes. This commitment was made after discussions with the FIA. Still, Red Bull have insisted this mechanism was never used to make changes under parc fermé. This explanation isn’t enough for Zak Brown, who says McLaren still want answers.
McLaren want further investigation into Red Bull device
Under parc fermé conditions (between qualifying and the race) teams are prohibited from making changes. Only minor tweaks to front wing angle are permitted under the regulations.
However, it has emerged in recent days that Red Bull have a device which – theoretically – could make ride height adjustments without detection from FIA inspections.
This would allow Red Bull to alter ride height before a race, something that would be significant from a performance perspective.
Since the beginning of this saga, Christian Horner’s team have denied ever using this mechanism to breach the rules. Unsurprisingly, this response is not seen as adequate for Zak Brown – who wants further investigation.
Zak Brown wants answers
The McLaren CEO has outlined that he wants this issue to be escalated:
“I’m very happy to see the FIA is on it,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think it needs to be a very thorough investigation. Because if you touch your car from a performance standpoint in parc fermé, that is a black and white material, substantial breach.
“Which should come with massive consequences.
“Touching your car after parc fermé is highly illegal within the rules. So I think the FIA needs to get to the bottom of – were they [using it, or] weren’t they…
“Transparency is critically important in today’s day and age. So I still have questions.
“I know from talking to other team bosses, they still have questions. So until those questions are answered, I think it is still an ongoing investigation.”
Over the coming days and weeks, McLaren will press the FIA for more answers on this topic. Considering the stakes in the Championship, this line of enquiry is standard procedure for the British outfit.
Although Red Bull have spoken to the FIA and committed to a “plan” to solve this issue, this is unlikely to satisfy McLaren.
As outlined by Zak Brown, McLaren will want assurances Red Bull didn’t benefit from this mechanism previously.
