The FIA ​​is set to crack down hard on parc ferme ride height controls at the United States Grand Prix after an unidentified Formula 1 team allegedly circumvented technical regulations, according to a report.

Teams are prohibited from changing ride height in parc ferme conditions; any opportunity to do so would offer significant benefits.

Ride height is key to unlocking aerodynamic performance in the ground effect era of F1, and it varies significantly between qualifying and the race due to the vastly different fuel loads.

However, Motorsport reports that the FIA ​​and several teams have recently engaged in discussions over an unnamed party that has potentially found a way to change the height of the front bib of its F1 challenger under parc ferme.

The report suggests that a device located in the driver’s cockpit could be the key to making these changes, which would be a direct violation of F1’s technical regulations.

No significant evidence has been reported to the governing body, but an FIA spokesperson told Autosport that “any adjustment of front bib clearance in parc ferme conditions is strictly prohibited by the regulations.”

“While we have not received any indication that any team is using such a system, the FIA ​​remains vigilant in its ongoing efforts to improve control of the sport.

“As part of this, we have implemented procedural adjustments to ensure that the front bib release cannot be easily altered.

“In some cases this may involve the application of a seal to provide additional assurance of compliance.”

Stealing an advantage is essential in a tight F1 championship

With six rounds remaining in the 2024 F1 season, competition is tight throughout the hierarchy.

McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari are separated by just 75 points in the constructors’ standings and Lando Norris is behind Max Verstappen by just 52 points in the drivers’ championship.

Furthermore, the fight for sixth place in the constructors’ standings is only separated by three points between RB (34) and Haas (31).

Several teams could then benefit from a system for modifying the ride height in parc ferme, but the regulations on the matter are clear.

According to article 40.2 of the technical regulations, “the aerodynamic adjustment of the front wing can be adjusted using existing parts. No parts may be added, removed or replaced.

Additionally, Article 40.9 states that “a competitor may not modify any part of the car”.

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