Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have played down the significance of the controversial ride height device found on the 2024 Red Bull Formula 1 challenger.
The United States Grand Prix is barely underway, but controversy has already found its way into the paddock.
It has emerged that Red Bull has a device within its RB20 cockpit that can alter the ride height of its front bib, with accusations this has been carried out under parc ferme conditions.
The FIA has yet to see any evidence of foul play but has agreed with Red Bull that measures be put in place to render the device offline.
Regardless, Verstappen and Perez have both argued no performance gains were made with Red Bull’s ride height trickery.
“I mean, it’s open source, right? Everyone can see it,” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week.
“For us, it was just an easy tool when the parts were off. We know that it was easy to adjust, but once the whole car is built together, you can’t touch it.
“So for us, it doesn’t change. When I read about it, I was thinking about other teams doing it, and then I found out it was related to our team.
“We never even mentioned it in the briefing, so it’s just an easier tool to adjust stuff.”
Perez noted how he “knew” the front bib ride height device existed, but added that “it was not available to us [to be used].”
Upon holding discussions with the governing body, a Red Bull spokesperson said “In the numerous correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up and we have agreed a plan going forward.”
READ MORE: Red Bull to make changes to F1 car as illegal ride height device confirmed
It’s up to the FIA to decide Red Bull fate amid ride height saga
On that note, Perez added that it is up to the FIA to deem whether Red Bull has breached F1’s regulations or not.
“I think it is down to the FIA to draw a line whether it is legal or illegal,” he said.
“They are the ones who control the sport, so at the end of the day it is up to them to decide.”
With all parties within the Milton Keynes-based squad’s ranks adamant the device cannot be used once the RB20 is assembled, one could argue the likelihood the device was used under parc ferme is unlikely.
However, it is curious that the device in question has come to light and it’s no wonder rival teams have questioned it, given the title implications at play.
Red Bull is locked in a Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championship battle with McLaren.
In the Drivers’ standings, it’s advantage Verstappen, who has 331 points to Lando Norris’ 279.
Meanwhile. in the Constructors’ McLaren leads the way with a 41-point advantage over Red Bull.
READ MORE – Oscar Piastri: Red Bull ‘breaking boundaries’ with ride height trick
Discussion about this post