Red Bull Racing is being accused of using a device to change the car’s ride height before the United States Grand Prix while under parc ferme conditions.
The device known as the ‘bib’ or ‘tea-tray’ has sparked discussions within the sport’s enthusiasts, with some criticizing it as “cheating” and others praising it as “innovation”.
An unexpected supporter of Red Bull in the face of these accusations is none other than Lewis Hamilton, the renowned seven-time world champion from Mercedes.
In Formula 1, it is crucial to celebrate pushing the limits of what is allowed by the rulebook. “I believe our sport’s name is primarily focused on revolution,” Hamilton shared with Sky Sports F1, as reported by Crash.net.
Red Bull has been at the forefront and have introduced new ideas. In the end, every team examines the rules and seeks to bend them in order to maximize their benefits, even if it means pushing the boundaries slightly.
Formula 1 is a sport that emphasizes the importance of pushing the limits of what is permitted by the rules, which should be commended.
Hamilton stated to Sky Sports F1, through Crash.net, that he believes the name of our sport revolves around innovation. Red Bull has been at the forefront and they have introduced new ideas.
In the end, each team reviews the rules to discover ways to manipulate them for maximum benefit, even if it means bending them slightly.
Red Bull Racing has verified that adjustments were made to their setup after discussing with the FIA, the governing body of Formula 1.
Contributing to the conversation is Max Verstappen, who is currently leading the Driver’s Championship. The Dutchman minimized the alleged device’s impact on their performance, stating: “To us, it was simply a convenient tool.”
Adjustment was simple when the parts were removed. Once the entire vehicle is assembled, it cannot be altered. “So, it remains the same for us.” He added: “While reading it, I was considering other team also implementing it .
Nevertheless, there is not a consensus among the individuals in the paddock. Lando Norris from McLaren F1 Team expressed disapproval of Red Bull’s interpretation of regulations.
Norris, who is competing for a championship for the first time in his career this year, argues that there is a clear line between acceptable innovation and clear breaches of the rules.
Norris clarified that there is a distinction between black and white matters, as well as between exceeding limits and introducing new ideas and advancements in the allotted area for innovation.
Historical similarities can be identified, like the controversies involving Mercedes’ dual-axis steering system and Ferrari’s controversial power units in past years.
Hamilton emphasized the importance of maintaining innovation within certain limits.
However, I believe that all others need to keep being innovators and frontrunners instead of playing catch-up.