After conducting a thorough investigation into the alleged issue of the RB20’s bib device raised earlier in the season by some opposing teams, the FIA has given a clean bill of health to Red Bull Racing. The regulation check carried out by the FIA, which also involved a tour of the Red Bull Racing headquarters in Milton Keynes, has established that there were no violations of any regulations pertaining to the controversial device which had raised especially the issues of its application on adjustable ride height.
Background to the Investigation
This concern regarding the use of a bib device by Red Bull racing teams was made public prior to the USA Grand Prix. It was reported that one of the teams had an infringement on the use of an adjustable ride device, how that Red Bull stated that they had such an adjustable device on their RB20 car. But the team argued that it had always used it in a way that was allowed by the rules.
Later the issue became even more salient since also other teams, especially McLaren and Mercedes, had their concerns. Especially active was McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown who asked for a guarantee that Red Bull managed to not use the device when the cars were in a closed garage— if the cars are to undergo strict scrutiny and no alterations can be made draped over them. Such would be a blatant infringement of the principles.
Still, there was no proof that Red Bull acted in contravention of the rules and Nikolas Tombazis, who had already dealt with the question as a ‘non-story’, was in charge of single-seaters at the FIA.
FIA’s Investigation and Conclusion
In light of these accusations, the FIA went to the extent of sending officials to the team’s headquarters more than what was required in any previous investigation into the team – these officials were required to investigate the Bib device. The FIA now also states that there was no any wrongdoing established during that investigation.
“FIA conducts a constant monitoring and checking process of the adherence by F1 teams to the technical, sporting and financial regulations, which may include random checks at the circuit, or by conducting the inspections and inquiries at the teams’ factories,” an FIA statement read. “In the course of this process, FIA technical representatives were sent to the headquarters of Red Bull Racing due to the correspondence rising issues concerning the design and the exploitation of the front floor. It was established at the end of this analysis that no wrongdoing has been committed and thus reaffirmed the stand taken by the FIA at the Austin US Grand Prix.”
No Breach of Regulations
The ruling from the FIA clears up any doubts about the adjustable device attached to the RB20’s ‘frontal floor’. The inquiry found that the device in question had not been utilized in any manner that would breach any F1 regulations of a technical or sporting nature. This is in particular good news for Red Bull, who have already assisted in the inquiry by the FIA.
The investigation demonstrates also the dedication of the FIA to fairness in the sport of Formula One, and in this case, active measures to prevent and combat violation of rules in the most competitive season. Any potential issues arising from the interaction with the teams have been dealt with by the governing body, as well as appropriate measures being taken so that all cars conform to the same standards.
Conclusion
Now that the concern has been settled, Red Bull does not have to look back anymore, especially with the chase for the 2024 Formula 1 Championship still on. The team had continued to perform well throughout the season, however, the design and development of their car under such key attentions – especially within a season of cut-throat competition – explains the pressure and attention that comes with the top level of the sport.
The ruling from the FIA also provides clarity for what will happen in the future if complaints of this sort are raised.
