Red Bull’s Controversial Front Bib Device Under FIA Scrutiny After Austin Practice Reveal

Red Bull reveals disputed front bib mechanism to FIA post-practice

Following practice sessions in Austin, Red Bull has disclosed the workings of their disputed mechanism to the FIA.

Red Bull demonstrated the functioning of their contentious front bib mechanism to two officials from the FIA after a Formula 1 practice session at the United States Grand Prix.

As the weekend approaches, Red Bull faces criticism for their contentious ride height adjustment mechanism.

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Competing teams expressed worries to the FIA regarding the possibility that Red Bull could alter the car's front ride height, an action that is explicitly prohibited in Formula 1.

In principle, this strategy could offer them a benefit by allowing them to operate the vehicle with less fuel during the qualifying rounds and then adjust to a heavier load for the actual race.

Following their practice session in Austin on Friday, during which Max Verstappen secured the third quickest lap, Red Bull showcased the workings of their device to the FIA.

Red Bull has been demonstrating the functionality of their front bib device to the FIA, as captured by Sky Sports F1 🏎️🔍 pic.twitter.com/32NV1u3EgG— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) October 18, 2024

The demonstration occurred openly within the Red Bull garage, where Ole Schack, a top mechanic, explained the functioning to two officials.

Two FIA employees were observed examining the front section of Red Bull's vehicle while Schack explained its operation.

During this event, Sky Sports F1 technology analyst Ted Kravitz observed, “Here we have Ole Schack, the lead mechanic for Red Bull, showing two officials from the FIA, specifically scrutineers from the technical department, the precise method they employ.

It was beyond my expectations that they would truly initiate operations. Ole Schackis is seen demonstrating the installation process of the device into the car's footwell after the driver exits, a procedure that alters the vehicle's front ride height. This demonstration serves as an opportunity for the FIA to gain a deeper understanding of the device's functionality, marking their first occasion to do so, and to consider methods of monitoring it, possibly through the use of a seal or a different measurement technique. This takes on particular significance as we approach the start of the qualifying rounds, the sprint qualifying, and the initial period of parc ferme set to commence later today.

"At that point, parc ferme commences, and it's crucial for the FIA to grasp the methodology for ensuring there are no modifications to the floor in parc ferme, following the accusations directed at you. Initially, they must comprehend the operation of the system, and here's an explanation of how the system functions."

"I could spend the entire day observing this. Ole Schack, the go-to expert, has shown us something incredible. A steadfast member of the Red Bull Racing team from the start, Ole's dedication is clear. If there's someone with insider knowledge, it's him. With those tools in hand, he's just shown us something hard to believe. We're witnessing how this device is used to adjust and modify the front ride height of the Red Bull car. Truly captivating activities happening right here. The FIA has thoroughly grasped what's being demonstrated.”

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