Scrutinizing the Ride Height Saga: FIA Investigates Red Bull's Front Bib Adjusters

The Formula 1 paddock has been abuzz with the news of the FIA's inspection of front bib adjusters on various cars at the United States Grand Prix. The focus has been on Red Bull, as the team has admitted to possessing such a device at the center of the controversy that followed Autosport's revelation that the FIA had moved to clamp down on such parts after the Singapore GP.

Uncovering the Ride Height Controversy

FIA Conducts Thorough Inspections

Ahead of the first practice session at the Circuit of the Americas, McLaren team boss Zak Brown called for the FIA to conduct a "very thorough investigation" into the matter. After the only one-hour practice session for the weekend's sprint event, footage captured by Sky's cameras showed FIA officials inspecting the area of concern on both Red Bull RB20 cars.Autosport has learned that the governing body is conducting similar checks up and down the pitlane at Austin on Friday. This is part of a data-gathering exercise to ensure the similar parts that are present on all F1 cars do not need to be sealed, as is happening on Red Bull's car before the part can be modified to assure the FIA it will not be used between qualifying and the race.

Red Bull Denies Wrongdoing

Red Bull strongly denies that it ever used the adjuster in such a way, and the FIA previously stated that it is satisfied there is no evidence of such a regulation breach by any team. The FIA's head of single-seaters, Nikolas Tombazis, reiterated to Sky Sports on Friday that he was satisfied the matter had been dealt with sufficiently.Tombazis explained that the FIA would not try to examine previous activities to check on compliance, as they are "really talking very, very small numbers" of changes in ride height. He emphasized that the FIA does not have any indication, proof, or evidence of something untoward having happened before.

Zak Brown's Concerns and Calls for Investigation

Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, faced the F1 press corps at Austin on Friday, where he stated that Red Bull "is the only team that has the ability to adjust the ride height from inside the cockpit." Brown acknowledged that he has no idea whether Red Bull has used this capability, but he believes that having the ability to do so "raises questions."Brown added that one of the questions he and McLaren want answered is "what has maybe historically happened" and "understanding if it's been used in an inappropriate manner." When asked by Autosport how far back it was suspected that something untoward might have been occurring regarding Red Bull's device and how far back he was expecting the FIA to therefore look, Brown replied: "As long as the device has had the ability to be adjusted from inside the cockpit, I think is probably what needs to be reviewed."

Red Bull's Perspective and the FIA's Processes

Speaking alongside Brown in the press conference was Laurent Mekies, the team principal of Red Bull's junior team, RB. Mekies argued that the FIA's processes already prohibit a team from acting as Red Bull is suspected of doing. He explained that the parc ferme rule has been in place for 15 years, and the FIA has had to ensure that teams do not adjust any car specifications or settings during that time from qualifying to the race.Mekies stated that the FIA has cameras and marshals in the garages to monitor the teams, ensuring that they do not touch any of the car specifications or settings. He believes that this is not a new concern and that the FIA has been responsible for ensuring compliance with these rules for a long time.