McLaren boss Andrea Stella has accepted the Formula 1 governing body’s verdict to close investigations into the Red Bull front bib adjuster and is ready to “move on” from the debate.
Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, it came to light from within the Austin paddock that Red Bull had a device in the RB20 footwell that could adjust the front bib height.
With rival outfits theorising Red Bull had the potential to modify its car illegally between qualifying and race sessions, the FIA opted to seal the device.
FIA Single Seater Director Nikolaz Tombazis has confirmed its case closed, despite McLaren CEO Zak Brown pushing for further investigation.
Stella however, speaking after qualifying for the US Grand Prix on Saturday said “my point of view specifically is that when these kind of topics are in the hands of the FIA, the technical department, they are capable people with more information than we have as teams, and more tools to acquire more information than we have. They have the expertise.
“For me, I just trust what they do. And, if the FIA think that the matter is closed, I take it at face value, I accept it, the matter is closed, and I move on.”
McLaren must respect the FIA
When considering pursuing Red Bull further, Tombazis noted how difficult it is for the FIA to navigate the ‘human element’ of technical jousting in F1.
“We need to always consider that we’re dealing with humans,” he said. “We’re dealing with humans changing conditions: with loyalties – old loyalties, and new loyalties. So, one has to be a bit careful about how you escalate that.”
Being careful on a personal level in these matters is a two-way street and Stella understands this.
“We as competitors, we should try and be more respectful of the FIA, because it’s not easy,” he said.
“It’s one of those roles that I wouldn’t exchange, because they are trying to stop competitors from trying to maximise the performance.”
While he is ready to “move on” from the saga, Stella did highlight the curious nature regarding how difficult it would be to detect Red Bull making alterations to its front bib.
“Sometimes this performance is white, sometimes it’s grey, sometimes it’s black,” he said.
“In this case, if there was a practice of adjusting the front floor in parc ferme, in that case, that’s simple, it’s black.
“But, interestingly, it doesn’t leave any trace. So, you don’t know if this happened or not.”
There’s no smoke without fire they say, but it appears all parties are ready to snuff this flame out before it runs wild.
READ MORE – FIA: No further investigation into Red Bull front bib adjuster
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