Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have both brushed off concerns that the FIA’s recent focus on a ride height adjustment device will affect Red Bull’s performance during the United States Grand Prix. The FIA has scrutinized a device on Red Bull’s RB20, which allows for quick adjustments to the front bib clearance – a key element under the floor of the car.
While the governing body has not accused Red Bull of using the device in breach of regulations, it has reinforced that any team altering ride height between qualifying and the race would be in violation of the sport’s technical rules. Red Bull, meanwhile, has confirmed the existence of the device but maintains that it has been used solely within legal parameters and agreed with the FIA to remove it for future races.
Verstappen, speaking ahead of the Austin race, was quick to defend the team’s transparency, explaining that the device had been openly documented and visible to other teams through FIA records. He stressed that its use was limited to pre-parc ferme operations and had no impact once the car was fully assembled for competitive sessions.
“It’s open source, right, everyone can see it,” Verstappen explained. “For us, it was just an easy tool when the parts were off, it was easy to adjust. But once the whole car is built together, you can’t touch it. So, for us, it doesn’t change anything.”
The reigning world champion even admitted that he was initially confused by the FIA’s focus, thinking it concerned other teams. He added that Red Bull had never considered the device controversial, as it was merely a setup tool before the parc ferme conditions locked the car in place.
Sergio Perez mirrored Verstappen’s sentiments, emphasizing that the device was not being used to gain an unfair advantage and that the FIA’s attention would have “zero” effect on Red Bull’s performance during the Grand Prix.
“We weren’t doing anything with it,” Perez remarked. “If anything, I remember here last year it was a Sprint event, and we ended up with the ride height so high, it was completely out of it. It was impossible to even think about using the tool to change anything after the car was set.”
Red Bull remains confident that the removal of the ride height adjustment device will not hinder their performance as they prepare to defend their lead in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. With Verstappen leading the title race and Perez battling for consistent results, the team is focusing on their race strategy as the competition intensifies in the final stretch of the 2024 season.
