Max Verstappen and Red Bull are already trending even before the start of The U.S. GP. While the Dutchman endures an eight-race winless streak, his team is in the middle of another controversy. The 2024 season has been one big episode of rumors and controversies, especially for the defending champions. This time, the team might have to face strict consequences, as they’re accused of breaching a critical FIA rule.
Ahead of the Austin race, several F1 teams reported using an illegal device by an unspecified team. As a result, FIA turned on the action mode and monitored all the suspects. Now, the governing body has confirmed that the Milton Keynes-based outfit was using an unauthorized tool to alter the front bib height. Subsequently, Red Bull admitted to using a tool but denied that it was illegal. Meanwhile, when asked to reflect on this situation, Max Verstappen attempted to distance himself from the issue.
“It Was A Simple Tool,” Verstappen Defends Red Bull’s Illegal Device
The Red Bull misery is far from over, as FIA has confirmed its involvement in the Parc ferme breach. The team was optimistic for a turnaround at Circuit of the Americas, but things went downhill. After a decent run in Singapore, the technical team collected some valuable data. Further, the data was utilized to bring a mega upgrade package for the Austin race. However, the curse of controversies refuses to leave RBR’s side.
Several F1 teams consistently conversed with the FIA, alarming them of Parc Ferme’s rule break. According to an early report by Motorsport, an unknown team was altering the height of its car after FP3 to its advantage. However, the FIA claimed no evidence of such malpractice, but the investigation was ongoing. When the FP sessions at Austin were about to start, FIA confirmed that the suspected team was Red Bull. The Austrian outfit has been using an illegal device to alter the height of the RB20 from the cockpit.
However, Max Verstappen was unaware of the bib situation to be about his squad. During a media interaction, the Dutchman stated that he was reading things about the Parc Ferme breach but was clueless that it was about Red Bull. Further, he revealed that RBR didn’t change the car after the FP3 sessions. According to the RBR triple champion, the tool was used because it simplified the tasks for the team and was not illegal.
How A Small Screw System Might Get Red Bull In Trouble
The small screw system called tea sprung under scrutiny is in the cockpit, which is used to change the height of the front bib. Although every F1 team uses it, Red Bull is suspected of using it during the Parc Ferme period. If FIA gets evidence of RBR changing the height between Saturday and Sunday, the Milton Keynes-based would be in deep trouble. However, the governing body would use seals to prohibit any alteration during the Parc ferme period. Therefore, Red Bull might come out safe from this situation.