Red Bull has been identified as the team at the center of F1’s front ride height controversy, with the team admitting the existence of a front seat height adjuster on its RB20, although it insists the fact that it cannot be operated in closed park conditions.

The revelation comes amid suspicions from rival F1 teams and increased scrutiny from the FIA ​​over a potential violation of the sport’s technical regulations.

Controversy erupted in the run-up to this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, when the FIA ​​announced tough action against alleged ride height adjustments, particularly in parc ferme conditions – where the Cars cannot be modified after qualifying and before the race.

The governing body responded to concerns raised by various teams in Singapore last month over the possibility of one of their rivals exploiting loopholes in the rules to adjust the car’s ride height in parc ferme conditions.

FIA officials clarified that from the Austin weekend, new procedures would be applied to monitor and seal all devices capable of changing the ride height of the front bib to ensure they cannot be altered when they are in a closed park.

Thursday afternoon in Austin, it was revealed that the controversy revolved around a device designed by Red Bull which could be adjusted using a change of settings accessible from the cockpit.

This device could potentially make it possible to modify the ride height of the front mudflap, which could provide an aerodynamic advantage.

However, Red Bull has clarified that the device cannot be modified once the car is assembled and ready to drive, making it impossible to operate in parc ferme conditions. The team has initiated discussions with the FIA ​​to address concerns and ensure compliance with the regulations.

Although the FIA ​​has found no evidence that Red Bull actually adjusted the device during parc ferme conditions, it will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Red Bull has denied any wrongdoing and insists the device is legal and does not violate regulations.

The problem emerged at a tense time in the championship, with Red Bull locked in a tight battle with McLaren for the constructors’ title with six rounds remaining.

Both teams are under close scrutiny, with McLaren itself recently the subject of FIA investigations over the flexibility of its rear wing, dubbed the ‘mini-DRS’.

Following discussions with the FIA, McLaren made changes to its car to comply with the regulations.

As the 2024 season reaches its climax, the technical strategies of Red Bull and McLaren will be monitored more closely, with both teams seeking every possible advantage in their quest for victory.

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