Red Bull Drivers Deny Performance Boost from Front Bib Device Amid FIA Scrutiny

---

The controversy surrounding an adjustable front bib ride-height device on Red Bull’s cars has dominated headlines since the United States Grand Prix, with both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez firmly denying that the component provided any competitive advantage. Following the FIA’s inspection at Austin, Red Bull admitted to possessing the device but insists it was not intended to alter performance under race conditions.

Red Bull Acknowledges Device Existence but Claims Inaccessibility Post-Assembly

The adjustable device was first flagged by the FIA after the Singapore Grand Prix, prompting speculation that it allowed Red Bull to tweak ride height, possibly to improve aerodynamics or reduce underfloor plank wear. While such devices are permitted, they must remain untouched once the car enters parc fermé conditions, which span from qualifying until the start of the race. A Red Bull representative stated, “Yes, it exists although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run.” The team has reportedly aligned with the FIA on a way forward to comply with regulations.

Perez and Verstappen Stand Firm on Denial of Performance Gain

When questioned, Sergio Perez told media that the device was irrelevant to their performance, recounting Red Bull’s ride height concerns during last year’s sprint race in Austin. Perez said, “We never actually talked about it. It was impossible,” adding that their ride height was excessively high to avoid disqualification risks related to underfloor wear, as experienced by competitors like Mercedes and Ferrari this season.

Pressed further, Perez acknowledged he was aware of the part’s existence but emphasized it was not operational during race conditions. Verstappen shared a similar stance, expressing surprise upon learning the FIA’s scrutiny involved his team. “When I read it [the story], I was thinking about other teams doing it and then I found out it was related to our team,” Verstappen said, clarifying that while the device was used for setup purposes, it became unusable once the car was fully assembled.

The Role of FIA in Determining Legality

As the governing body, the FIA is tasked with defining what is legal in Formula 1, and Red Bull is not alone in facing technical scrutiny this season. Recently, McLaren’s rear wing design, featuring a ‘mini-DRS’ concept, also sparked controversy and led to modifications. Perez acknowledged this responsibility, stating, “It is down to the FIA to draw a line whether it is legal or illegal. They are the ones who control the sport, so at the end of the day it is up to them to decide.”