Il T-Tray case has inflamed the Austin paddock, raising doubts and speculations about Red Bull's practices in parc fermé. While Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez appear calm and confident that they have not gained any advantage from the device, the FIA has decided to intervene to prevent any possible violation by Red Bull and others. With the championship coming to an end, every detail can make a difference, and this case could have major consequences for the fate of the 2024 world championship.
Verstappen downplays T-Tray's impact on Red Bull performance
Despite the media storm surrounding the T-Tray issue, Max Verstappen was keen to clarify that the system did not offer any significant advantage to Red Bull, especially in terms of performance. During the press conference in Austin, the Dutch champion clarified: “As far as I am concerned, it had no impact on our performance. It is a tool that, when the car is fully assembled, cannot be touched.” Verstappen was keen to reiterate that there was no breach of the rules during the crucial stages of parc fermé, when no set-up changes are allowed.
For the three-time world champion, the discussions that have arisen in the paddock seem to be excessive: "When I heard about the incident, I thought other teams were involved, but then I discovered that it was related to us." Verstappen's words aim to deflate the issue and make it clear that the device, although it exists, has never been used irregularly or during the crucial phases of the race weekend.
Perez confirms: “No irregularities in the races”
Teammate Sergio Perez also weighed in on the case, confirming the team's defense. Perez said he was aware of the system's existence, but assured that it was never used to gain an advantage between qualifying and the race. "I knew the system existed, but we never used it irregularly. We never even talked about it during the briefings," said the Mexican driver.
Perez also drew a parallel with a past episode, underlining how Red Bull has always respected the technical regulations. “During a Sprint weekend, for example, we were forced to adopt a very high ride height to avoid incurring disqualifications. As happened to Mercedes in the past. We have never violated the rules,” the Mexican clarified.
A case that shakes the paddock
Despite the reassurances of the two Red Bull drivers, the T-Tray case continues to be at the center of discussions in the Austin paddock. Red Bull's rivals have expressed concerns about a possible improper use of the system during parc fermé phases. This could have given the Milton Keynes team a competitive advantage, especially in qualifying. McLaren, who apparently discovered the existence of the device thanks to ex-Red Bull technicians who moved to Woking, has pushed for the FIA to clarify and regulate the issue more strictly.
Following this pressure, the FIA has implemented new measures, such as the sealing of the T-Tray shock absorber, to prevent any adjustments from being made between qualifying and the race. These precautions aim to ensure maximum transparency and prevent possible violations of the technical regulations.
The repercussions on the championship
With just a few races to go in the 2024 championship, the T-Tray issue could be a disturbing element for Red Bull. The team is already struggling with a car that is less competitive than McLaren. With a gap of 52 points over Lando Norris, Verstappen remains the favorite for the drivers' title, but the pressure is on. The Woking team, in fact, has shown itself to be increasingly competitive and could take advantage of any uncertainty or difficulty of Red Bull in the last few races.
The repercussions of this case could also extend to the constructors' title. With McLaren leading the standings and Ferrari dangerously close to Red Bull. If the T-Tray system were to prove decisive in qualifying performance, it could open up a further front of discussion and sanctions for the Milton Keynes team.
Source statements: FormulaPassion
