Zak Brown Demands Accountability: Red Bull’s ‘Bib’ Trick Under FIA Scrutiny Amidst US Grand Prix Tensions

Zak Brown cautions Red Bull about the "huge repercussions" related to the ongoing controversy over their 'bib' technique. He questions the team's unique design choice, asking, "Why would you create it to be inside the vehicle when the other nine teams have not?"

Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, believes that Red Bull ought to encounter "significant repercussions" if the FIA determines that they have improperly utilized their contentious ride height device.

In the lead-up to this weekend's United States Grand Prix, much attention has been focused on a particular component of the Red Bull RB20 vehicle.

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Competing teams have raised suspicions that Red Bull might be altering the height of the car's front floor while in parc ferme, a practice that is strictly prohibited in Formula 1.

On Thursday, Red Bull acknowledged being the team involved and stated that they have implemented the required changes to satisfy the FIA.

Red Bull has acknowledged that they have installed such a device on their car, but it remains uncertain whether it has ever been utilized.

During an interview with Sky Sports F1 in Austin, Brown expressed some skepticism about Red Bull's announcement.

Brown questioned the design choice, asking why it was made to be inside the car when all the other nine teams have designed it to be outside. He emphasized that Formula 1 is about creativity within the confines of clear regulations. He also noted that teams are not allowed to alter their race cars except for adjustments related to driver comfort.

"They were very deliberate with their language, noting that when the car is completely put together, you have certain allowances. However, during parc fermé conditions, there is flexibility to not have the car entirely assembled, especially when adjustments are made for driver comfort. Additionally, the assertion that modifications aren't permitted doesn't entirely add up."

"Why does the FIA think it's necessary to seal it? If it's not accessible during or after parc ferme, what's the point of sealing it?"

The matter is not resolved yet, as Brown is seeking consequences for Red Bull if they are proven to be at fault.

He expressed his happiness that the FIA is addressing the issue. He emphasized the need for a detailed investigation, pointing out that altering a car's performance after it's in or during parc ferme represents a clear and significant violation, which could lead to serious repercussions.

Interacting with your vehicle after it has been placed in parc fermé is strictly prohibited according to the regulations. Therefore, I believe the FIA should thoroughly investigate the situation. Why was it designed to be inside the car when the other nine teams did not make the same choice?

Brown demands openness

Brown disclosed that he, along with several other team leaders, continues to have "inquiries" regarding Red Bull's apparatus.

"It would be unfair for me to make a definitive statement, although I do have thoughts on whether they have or haven't," Brown stated. "The FIA must thoroughly assess the situation to determine if they have indeed addressed the issue or not."

When you encounter comments that suggest you can't accomplish it when everything is put together, it implies that the car isn't always in one piece. The FIA believes there's a need to secure it with a seal. If it wasn't possible to access it, why would the FIA find it necessary to seal it?

In today's world, transparency is essential, and there are still some uncertainties that need to be addressed. After discussions with other team leaders, it's clear that they, too, have unresolved questions. Until these matters are clarified, the investigation remains active as we try to fully understand the situation. I need more information before I can definitively say whether they were or weren’t at fault. I believe that the FIA will eventually get to the bottom of it.

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