The 2024 United States Grand Prix has been overshadowed by an FIA investigation into Red Bull Racing, amid allegations that the team may have been using an adjustable front bib to manipulate the car’s ride height during parc fermé conditions—a direct violation of Formula 1 regulations.
The controversy stems from suspicions raised after the Singapore Grand Prix, suggesting Red Bull may have exploited the device to gain an advantage between qualifying and the race. With Red Bull admitting their car features the component in question, the FIA has now ramped up its efforts to ensure the adjuster complies with the sport’s strict rules.
Friday’s practice session at the Circuit of the Americas saw FIA officials carry out detailed inspections of Red Bull’s RB20 to assess the legality of the device. These spot checks have since expanded to other teams, as part of a broader effort to gather data on how widespread the use of these devices might be across the grid.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has been particularly vocal about the need for a comprehensive investigation, calling for the FIA to examine whether Red Bull—or any other team—might have previously exploited the adjuster. Brown’s concerns center around the potential for the device to alter ride height after qualifying, something strictly prohibited under parc fermé regulations.
“We need a thorough investigation to ensure no team has been gaining an unfair advantage by adjusting the car post-qualifying,” Brown said, pushing for a review of the device’s historical use.
Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s head of single-seaters, downplayed the severity of the issue but acknowledged that further checks would be necessary. He confirmed that no definitive evidence had been found to suggest a violation so far, but stressed that the governing body would leave no stone unturned.
“We haven’t seen any clear indication that this device has been used illegally,” Tombazis told Sky Sports F1. “We’re talking about a potential change of a few millimeters—nothing drastic—but it’s important we gather all the data to be sure.”
Red Bull has remained firm in their defense, denying any misuse of the front bib adjuster. The team stated they have fully adhered to the regulations and reiterated that any adjustments made were within the legal window, prior to the cars being locked in parc fermé.
In response to the scrutiny, Red Bull has committed to making modifications to the part before the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix, ensuring it fully aligns with FIA expectations. During Friday’s practice, Red Bull even offered a detailed walkthrough of the device to FIA officials to maintain transparency.
“We’re cooperating fully with the FIA. There’s no issue here,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said. “This part has been on the car for years, and nothing has changed.”
While the FIA continues its checks, the controversy has cast a shadow over what was expected to be an exciting weekend of racing in Austin. The paddock is now waiting with bated breath to see if any penalties or sanctions will be levied against Red Bull—or if the investigation will simply serve as a precautionary measure to ensure fair play.
Regardless of the outcome, the incident has intensified the rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship, as Max Verstappen leads the standings with a 52-point cushion over Lando Norris. With stakes higher than ever, every detail counts as teams push the boundaries of innovation and regulation.
The results of the FIA’s investigation could have far-reaching implications, not just for Red Bull, but for the entire Formula 1 grid as the sport continues to grapple with balancing technological advancements and the need for a level playing field.
