Christian Horner Defends Red Bull Amidst F1 ‘Bib’ Controversy: Dismisses Rivals’ ‘Paranoia’ and Assures Compliance with FIA Regulations

Christian Horner criticizes F1 competitors for their "paranoia" regarding the Red Bull 'bib' controversy

Christian Horner addresses the uproar surrounding Red Bull's ride height mechanism.

Christian Horner has stated that Red Bull is "completely at ease" with the FIA's probe into their disputed F1 ride height mechanism.

Buzz in the Austin paddock has centered around a component on the Red Bull vehicle that drew notice during the Singapore event.

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Several competing teams expressed worries that Red Bull might have modified the front ride height of their car while it was in parc ferme, potentially violating F1 regulations and providing a competitive edge.

Speaking about the matter for the first time, Horner informed Sky Sports that the FIA is "satisfied with it."

"According to Horner, each car is equipped with a device that allows for adjustments to the front of the bib. In our cars, this device is situated in front of the footwell and has been in place for more than three years. To reach it, you need to remove the pedals, panels, and some piping, making it similar to other car adjustments. Accessing a rear roll bar would be simpler than reaching this part, as it's an integral part of the front-end chassis design."

One of our competitors has been complaining, and it's the responsibility of the FIA to investigate such matters. This component has been publicly accessible as part of an open-source list for three years. The FIA is content with this, aiming to alleviate any paranoia lingering among others in the paddock.

"Occasionally, to divert attention from issues at home, you might create a commotion elsewhere. There was a significant uproar regarding rear wings… This is just a facet of Formula 1, and undoubtedly, more controversies will arise before reaching Abu Dhabi."

McLaren's CEO, Zak Brown, has demanded significant repercussions should the FIA's inquiry determine that Red Bull employed the device during parc ferme conditions.

Nevertheless, Horner firmly insists that Red Bull has not engaged in any wrongdoing.

He mentioned that the discussion took place with the FIA in Singapore. He further explained that after reviewing the matter, the FIA expressed complete satisfaction with it.

"There are likely around 600 components on the car that can be completely adjusted. Anyone is allowed to make these adjustments. However, making changes during parc fermé is prohibited. That rule has not been broken. It would be simpler to tweak a floor support, a roll bar, or the length of a push rod than to remove the pedals. We have cameras monitoring the cars, and there are inspectors and observers keeping an eye on them as well. Over the past three years, our car has been examined more closely than any other vehicle in the pit lane. We are entirely at ease with this scrutiny."

"We are able to secure all the movable joints on the vehicle. According to parc fermé rules, no alterations can be made. The purpose of parc fermé is precisely this. We have adhered to all the rules and processes. We are very satisfied with our interactions with the FIA, and they have been assured by the information presented to them."

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