Red Bull Makes Adjustments to Car After FIA Discussions

Formula One F1 - Singapore Grand Prix - Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore - September 22, 2024 Red Bull's Max Verstappen in action during the race REUTERS/Edgar Su

Paris, October 18, 2024 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Formula One champions Red Bull have made changes to their car following discussions with the FIA, the team confirmed on Thursday. The announcement comes after concerns from rival teams about potential exploitation of rules related to "parc ferme" conditions, which prohibit any adjustments to a car's setup between the start of qualifying and the race.

Speculation had grown around a possible device that could alter the ride height of a car without detection, giving teams an advantage during both qualifying and race conditions. A senior Red Bull representative acknowledged the existence of such a device but clarified that it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled. "In our discussions with the FIA, this part was addressed, and we have agreed on a plan going forward," the representative stated, without providing further details.

The FIA issued a statement reinforcing that any adjustments to the car’s setup during parc ferme conditions are strictly prohibited. "While we have not found evidence of any team using such a system, we are taking measures to enhance the policing of the sport," the FIA said. The governing body also mentioned procedural adjustments, including the possible application of seals, to ensure compliance.

The news comes as Red Bull trails McLaren by 41 points in the Constructors' Championship, with six races remaining in the season. McLaren's Lando Norris has also closed the gap to Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the drivers' standings, reducing the margin from 78 points in August to 52 points.

Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate, commented on the device, saying, "I’ve read about it, but I didn’t know Red Bull admitted to it. Everyone pushes the boundaries in F1, but from what I’ve heard, something like this clearly breaks the regulations."

The next rounds of the championship are expected to intensify the competition, with Red Bull looking to close the gap and defend their dominance from last season.