Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, McLaren
Ben McCrum
The FIA have swiftly responded to suspicions that one Formula One team were exploiting a trick to bend the rules ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
After a four week break, the F1 season gets back underway this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, Texas for the United States GP.
With just six races left of the 2024 season, the tensions are rising with all teams still capable of claiming vital points that could completely change the outcome of their season.
But ahead of the US GP, the FIA have been forced into action amid suspicions that one F1 team had figured out a cheeky to illegally modify their car.
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As reported by Autosport, the FIA were concerned that one team was using a car ride height adjustment trick under parc ferme conditions.
The concerns were raised during discussions between several teams and the FIA took place about one unidentified team finding a clever trick that would allow them to adjust the front bib clearance between qualifying and the race.
Doing so would be a clear breach of F1 regulations as it would give the car a benefit as they could perfect the different ride height requirements between a low-fuel single-lap run and the needs for a heavier car over a full race.
Article 40.2 of F1’s Technical Regulations outlines exactly which components that can be changed, and the details regarding changes allowed in the bodywork state: “The aerodynamic set up of the front wing may be adjusted using the existing parts. No parts may be added, removed or replaced.”
But the recent suspicions arose after rumours that one team has designed its car for the US GP so that the clearance of the front bib can be changed through settings within the cockpit.
However, the FIA has confirmed that it has received no conclusive evidence that such a trick has been used by anyone in F1.
That being said, the governing body still confirmed that it would be changing procedures to check the front bib characteristics of all cars starting from the US GP.
Speaking to Aurtosport, an FIA spokesman said: “Any adjustment to the front bib clearance during parc ferme conditions is strictly prohibited by the regulations.
“While we have not received any indication of any team employing such a system, the FIA remains vigilant in our ongoing efforts to enhance the policing of the sport.
“As part of this, we have implemented procedural adjustments to ensure that front bib clearance cannot be easily modified."