McLaren Questions Red Bull’s Controversial Ride Height Device Amid FIA Probe

McLaren remains skeptical about Red Bull's explanation for their disputed ride height mechanism in Formula 1.

Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, mentioned that he "still has questions that need further clarification" regarding the controversial ride height mechanism used by Red Bull.

On Thursday, during the F1 United States Grand Prix, Red Bull confessed that they are the focus of an FIA investigation regarding a device referred to as a 'bib.' Competitors believe this device might enable adjustments to the height of the car's front floor while in parc ferme.

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The current world champions have consented to modify their car after talks with the FIA. However, McLaren, their competitors in the F1 title race, are skeptical of their claim that the device cannot be reached once the car is completely put together and prepared for action.

On Friday in Austin, Brown commented, "There is only one team that can alter the ride height from inside the cockpit. I am not sure if they have done it, but just having that capability prompts some questions."

According to the rules, it's evident that making any unauthorized changes to a race car, whether they pertain to the vehicle itself or to the comfort of the driver, constitutes a significant violation of the regulations.

"They've chosen to seal it, but the team has mentioned that you can't make adjustments to it when the car is completely prepared for the race. The vehicle isn't always entirely race-ready in parc ferme and on Sunday morning, so I believe this issue needs to be addressed."

"Why is it necessary to seal something that isn't accessible during parc ferme or after it's over? I still have some questions that require further clarification."

Brown firmly believes that using such a device improperly could offer a competitive edge. However, he acknowledged that he has no information suggesting Red Bull has engaged in any wrongdoing.

He stated, "When used improperly, it certainly provides a competitive edge. Conversely, if used correctly, it offers no such advantage. This is what we aim to comprehend more clearly."

Brown emphasized that he completely trusts the organization overseeing Formula 1 to handle the situation and find a resolution that is clear and acceptable to all the teams involved.

Brown mentioned that their inquiries focus more on what might have occurred in the past and aim to determine whether it has been utilized improperly.

In response to a question about how far the FIA should look into the matter, Brown stated: "I believe the review should cover the entire period during which the device could be modified from within the cockpit."

Brown rejected the idea that Red Bull drivers could change the ride height from inside the cockpit, humorously noting that "they'd need extremely long arms to manage that."

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