Red Bull is enjoying a huge success after Max Verstappen qualified the fastest for the Sprint race at the United States Grand Prix. Red Bull came as the fastest car after a very long time since the Austrian GP. All these times they were dominated by the Ferrari’s and McLaren’s in terms of pace.
Red Bull cheating with Bib?
The FIA stewards in the Red Bull garage, inspecting their Bib device and placing seals on it pic.twitter.com/ODjJo8tVQf
— JustM💜 (@maylhrari) October 18, 2024
Reports emerged that the Austrian team is using a new adjustable bib or T-tray. These can be seen in every Formula 1 car at the front. According to the FIA regulations, Every F1 car should have a flat floor and its ride height should be within legal limits during the race. If there is any excessive damage to the floor then the car is running very low and the driver will be disqualified.
Key Performance part
It is also called a splitter as it splits the airflow between the left and the right and also a small amount of airflow beneath the car. It has become one of the most important parts which influence the performance of a car's aerodynamics.
Parc Ferme rules
Adjusting the height of the bib can help the team achieve its maximum potential during qualifying. But it also has risks of bottoming out or porpoising once race fuel is added to the car and it also leads to excessive plank wear due to added weight. Parc Ferme are set of rules that restrict teams from making any changes to their cars once they enter the qualifying sessions or Q1. So the Setup used before the qualifying should be followed for both qualifying and race.
What changes can be made?
Only changes like brake friction materials, removal and cleaning of bodywork, driver Consumables like drinks in the car, and replacing damaged components are allowed under severe watch by the FIA. The front wing can also be adjusted with no change made to the specifications.
Why is FIA not punishing Red Bull?
A Red Bull mechanic is showing the FIA how the bib device works 😭 pic.twitter.com/Za8p1pZwB4
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) October 18, 2024
To adjust the T tray the car needs to be completely dismantled and it can only be adjusted by a special tool. Red Bull can't make these changes without being caught by the FIA. It can't be adjusted during the weekend as everything is monitored by the FIA. That’s the reason FIA didn't implement any punishment for the Red Bull team.