Red Bull Racing found itself in the spotlight over the course of the 2024 U.S. Grand Prix weekend in Austin, with scrutiny focused on the location of its front bib adjustor—a component that, if misused, could theoretically allow the team to alter the car’s ride height illegally between qualifying and the race, breaching strict parc fermé conditions. The FIA initially sealed the device in Austin and concluded there was no foul play, but the investigation didn’t end there.
Rivals McLaren and Mercedes, unconvinced by the initial assessment, prompted the FIA to take a closer look. In response, the FIA visited Red Bull’s factory in Milton Keynes to conduct a more thorough inspection of the adjustor, ultimately clearing the team of any wrongdoing.
In an official statement, the FIA explained, “The FIA regularly reviews and inspects the conformance to the technical, sporting, and financial regulations of the F1 teams… this phenomenon is clearly intensified in championships where there may be closer competition for the ultimate prize, as has been the case in 2024.” The governing body’s process allows teams to raise compliance concerns about competitors, particularly when the championship battle is fierce.
Meanwhile, another controversy brewed during the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend, where suspicions arose that some teams might be cooling their tyres by injecting water or another cooling fluid with the inflation gas—an approach that would be illegal under FIA regulations. The FIA responded by launching an investigation into these claims as well. After a comprehensive analysis, the FIA found no evidence to support any irregularities related to tyre cooling tactics.
In its statement, the FIA said, “No evidence was found to suggest any irregular behavior,” adding, “We consider both matters closed, but will continue to monitor the situation in detail.”
As the championship battle intensifies, scrutiny of each team’s technical practices is bound to continue. With these issues now resolved, the FIA has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the regulations, ensuring fair play for all teams competing for the ultimate prize in Formula 1.
