As Formula 1 heads into the 19th race of the 2024 season with the United States Grand Prix, the paddock is buzzing with excitement, and also controversy. Red Bull has found itself at the center of accusations concerning an illegal modification of their RB20 under parc ferme conditions, specifically linked to the “T-tray” or “bib” system that allegedly adjusts the car’s ride height.
Amid the accusations, reigning champion Max Verstappen has spoken out, clarifying that he had no prior knowledge of the alleged modifications. Verstappen emphasized that the system in question was not a clandestine, game-changing device but rather a basic tool used when the car’s components were not yet assembled.
“It’s public, right? Everyone can see it. For us, it was a simple tool when the parts weren’t on the car,” Verstappen said, dismissing the notion of any wrongdoing. He went on to explain that while adjustments were possible before the car was fully assembled, once the car hit the track, no further modifications could be made.
Red Bull’s ride-height adjustment system had been under scrutiny after the FIA intensified checks amid suspicions that an unnamed team was bending the rules. Accusations pointed to Red Bull potentially adjusting their T-tray during parc ferme conditions, allowing them to alter the car’s ride height and gain an edge in qualifying and race setups.
Initially, Verstappen believed the rumors involved other teams but later discovered that Red Bull was the focus of the allegations. “When I read it, I thought other teams were using it. Then I found out it was about us. We didn’t even discuss it in the briefing,” Verstappen said, underscoring how unaware the team was about the controversy.
The Dutchman downplayed the impact of the system, stating that it wasn’t a secret weapon, nor did it explain any significant performance gains in recent races. Red Bull’s performance has wavered in recent rounds, with Verstappen struggling in a few races—far from the dominant form that would suggest any major advantage from the system.
McLaren’s Lando Norris also weighed in, admitting that while the system’s presence might raise questions, its actual usage was unclear. He pointed out that recent results didn’t show Red Bull taking full advantage of any supposed ride-height adjustment. Norris added that if Verstappen had been benefiting from the system, he would likely have won more pole positions and races this season.
“It’s one thing if you have it on your car, it’s another thing how much you use it. We have no idea. If it’s helped them and they’ve used it like a lot of people think, it could be an advantage for us,” Norris remarked.
Despite the controversy, Verstappen remains focused on defending his 52-point lead over Norris in the drivers’ championship, while Red Bull will look to regain their dominance after recent setbacks. With only six races remaining in the 2024 season, the stakes are higher than ever, and fans are eager to see how the competition unfolds in Austin and beyond.
