FIA Chief Quashes Red Bull Ride Height Controversy: Calls it a ‘Non-Story

FIA head dismisses Red Bull 'bib' controversy as insignificant: "It's being handled"

The FIA's stance on the current controversy surrounding Red Bull.

FIA head Nikolas Tombazis has described Red Bull's contentious adjustable ride height mechanism as a "non-issue," stating that the current circumstances are now "managed."

Conversations in the Austin paddock have centered on a gadget found on the Red Bull vehicle.

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Several competing squads have voiced worries that Red Bull possesses the capability to modify their vehicle's front ride height during parc ferme conditions, an action that would breach F1 regulations and potentially provide a competitive edge.

Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, has affirmed that Red Bull has no issues, emphasizing that the FIA is "satisfied with it."

On Friday, Tombazis, the FIA's chief of single-seater categories, provided an update on the matter.

He informed Sky Sports, saying, "During the last race, it was brought to our attention that specific designs might enable an alteration in the height of the car's front end, often referred to as a bib, while in parc ferme."

"There was no evidence or confirmation that anyone engaged in such activities, which would undeniably violate parc ferme rules. Hence, we declared that starting with this race, there should be absolutely no chance for this to occur. Consequently, if a team had engineered a mechanism facilitating rapid adjustment of that dimension, it would need to be locked to prevent tampering within parc ferme.

"Every team has followed the guidelines, and from our perspective, everything is managed accordingly."

"From this moment forward, it's no longer a tale to tell. I believe we've taken the necessary steps to prevent any further allegations."

Tombazis described the present circumstances as insignificant, noting that such allegations are expected in the context of a closely contested championship.

"The competition is closely contested, and individuals are enthusiastic about one another's vehicles," he stated.

"Thus, it's impossible to conclusively settle past competitions or any suggestions of rivalry among teams in such a fiercely competitive context, yet in the current circumstances, we consider it to be a non-issue, indeed."

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