The FIA has decided to temporarily close the case related to the T-Tray of the Red Bull, the front-end height adjustment system that has caused a stir in the Austin paddock. After days of discussion and speculation, the Federation has declared that it does not have enough evidence to launch an investigation or sanction the Milton Keynes team. Despite accusations from some rivals.
The story
It all started on Thursday, when rumours surfaced about a system used by Red Bull to adjust the height of the T-Tray during parc fermé. A practice banned by Formula 1 technical regulations. The accusations intensified when it was revealed that the team in question was that of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. Casting a shadow over the Austrian team's recent performances.
The T-Tray is a crucial part of the floor of the car. Its height above the asphalt can significantly affect aerodynamic performance, especially on the fast sections of the circuit. The possibility of changing its height between qualifying and the race would have given Red Bull an unfair advantage, violating the parc fermé rules.
The decision of the FIA on the T-Tray case
However, FIA technical director Nikolas Tombazis said that after assessing all the available information, the federation found no evidence that Red Bull had used the system illegally. “At the last race in Singapore, we were told that there was a certain system that could allow the front of the car to be changed from the ground under parc fermé. We have no indication or evidence that this has ever happened, and if it had, it would clearly be illegal,” Tombazis said.
The FIA has therefore decided not to open a retroactive investigation, but has taken measures to prevent similar situations from happening in the future. “We have decided that, from this race onwards, there will no longer be the possibility of carrying out such an intervention. If a team has a device that allows the ride height to be changed quickly, that device must be sealed so that it cannot be accessed under parc fermé,” added Tombazis.
Future control measures
Despite the temporary closure of the case, the FIA has made it clear that it will pay particular attention to the movements of the teams in the next races. With an even stricter control to avoid violations of the parc fermé rules. “All the teams agree with our choice and, from what I understand, the matter is reasonably under control. There is no story to talk about, we have just done what was necessary to stop the speculation on the case,” concluded Tombazis.
Horner's position and Zak Brown's criticisms
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was calm about the matter, saying the system has been in use for over three years and has never been used in an irregular manner. “The investigation started with complaints from one of our rivals, we spoke to the FIA in Singapore and they had nothing to say. Our cars have been checked more than anyone else in the last three years, so we are absolutely calm about the issue,” Horner said.
Horner also downplayed the effectiveness of the system, pointing out that there are 600 other parts on the car that can be adjusted, but which cannot be touched in parc fermé. “It would be easier to adjust a tie rod on the bottom or the length of a pushrod than to take the pedals off,” he said, seeking to defuse controversy.
On the other hand, McLaren CEO Zak Brown was skeptical and asked the FIA for further clarification. Brown said: “I am not entirely convinced by Red Bull’s explanation. I think there should be an investigation into whether the team has not benefited from this system.” However, the FIA reiterated that there is no evidence to justify a retrospective investigation.
No retroactive investigation
Another key point is that the FIA has ruled out the possibility of a retroactive investigation into the possible use of the system by Red Bull in previous races. “We cannot definitively close the matter for previous races or prevent insinuations between teams in such a competitive environment,” Tombazis said. He stressed that there is no indication that the system has been used irregularly in the past.
For now, therefore, the matter is filed away as a “non-story”, but with a watchful eye from the FIA in the next races. The fight for the world titles enters its final phase and every detail could make the difference.
Source statements: FormulaPassion