Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has responded aggressively to criticism from rival teams over a suspicious device in Red Bull’s RB20, describing their concerns as “paranoia”.

It follows an intervention by the FIA ​​which sealed the device, designed to change the height of the car’s front mud flap after complaints were made by other teams ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin. The situation unfolds as Max Verstappen comfortably leads the drivers’ championship, even though McLaren currently leads the constructors’ standings.

This story centers on a device located in the cockpit of Red Bull cars, which is said to be capable of changing the ride height of the car. Such a modification, if made between qualifying rounds and the race while the machines are in parc ferme conditions, would contravene F1 regulations, potentially giving an illicit advantage by specializing the car for both qualifying and racing using separate settings.

Rival team McLaren, led by CEO Zak Brown, have been vocal, with Brown saying the following:

“From what we can see, this is the only team that has the ability to adjust the ride height from inside the cockpit, and that raises questions.”

Christian Horner rejected the allegations, presenting the control as a diversionary tactic by competitors.

“I think there was a bit of moaning from one of our rivals,” Horner told Sky Sports F1. “And it’s the FIA’s job to look at these things. It’s on a list of open source components, so it’s been available to the public for three years.”

“The FIA ​​is happy with it, I think, just to perhaps satisfy some paranoia elsewhere in the paddock.”

The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body responsible for maintaining sporting regulations, has taken action by imposing a seal on the device to ensure ride height settings are respected during parc ferme.

Brown wants the sports body to do more:

“There should be huge consequences if it turns out Red Bull used the device against the rules.”

“Being able to run the car lower is a competitive advantage.

“I am confident that the FIA ​​is aware of a potential problem.”

Horner was quick to defend his team further:

“I feel like sometimes it’s to distract from what’s going on in your own home, and then sometimes you try to start a fire somewhere else?” he said.

As the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches with the United States Grand Prix kicking off the final two triples of the year, Verstappen is battling McLaren’s Lando Norris at the top of the standings. Such a thing, if true, could put the Milton Keynes team in a difficult situation, especially as they have already lost their lead in the Constructors.

It should be noted that Red Bull has always denied these allegations.

Historically, Red Bull has faced multiple controversies, including disputes over technical innovations and operational regulations. In 2021, they came under scrutiny over the design of their rear wing, which was expected to flex at high speeds. This led to stricter testing by the FIA ​​around this device.

The team, under Horner’s leadership, has won six championships, and with that success comes immense scrutiny. There will be more on this story this weekend.