McLaren boss Zak Brown has cast doubt on Red Bull’s defense regarding its controversial front ride height adjustment system amid tensions that continue to intensify in the F1 paddock.
Concerns surrounding the Milton Keynes-based outfitâs subtle device emerged in the build up to this weekendâs United States Grand Prix, but they were first stirred when Red Bullâs rivals reported what they believed to be a breach of FIA technical regulations in Singapore last month.
As for, their argument was that Red bull could have used their device to alter the front ride height of their car in parc fermé condition and perhaps even before the race, all of which is against the rules. But there are no hints that Red Bull involved in such a scheme.
The governing body reacted with a promise to closely monitor Red Bullâs system this weekend, while the team itself has gone out of its way in Austin to demonstrate to FIA officials why its device is compliant and why it is allegedly inaccessible in parc fermĂ© conditions or when its RB20 is âfully assembledâ according to Red Bull.
However, Brown remains unconvinced, suggesting that Red Bull’s explanation has led to more questions than answers.
âWhy would you design it to be inside the car when the other nine teams, it’s designed to be outside of the car?â commented Brow in an interview with Sky F1.
âTherefore, the rules⊠ingenuity is part of Formula 1 and there are black-and-white rules. You cannot touch your race car other than things like driver comfort.
They chose their words very carefully saying when the car’s ‘fully assembled’, but you’re allowed to not have the car fully assembled in parc fermĂ© and when you’re working on driver comfort. Also, what doesn’t quite stack up is the comment that you can’t modify.
âWell then why is the FIA feel they need to put a signal on it? If it’s not accessible post or during parc fermĂ© then why put a sign on it?â
As far as Brown is concerned, the gravity of the situation is clear, and the McLaren chief insists that if Red Bull is found guilty, they should face âmassive consequences.â
âI am very happy to see the FIA is on it,â he added. âI believe it has to be a comprehensive probe because if you are touching your car in terms of performance after parc fermĂ© or while in parc fermĂ©, that is a clear-cut material substantial breach that has dire consequences with it.
Getting near your car to feel or touch it in some manner after parc ferme is strictly prohibited by the rules, in my opinion, the FIA needs to find out were they were and were were not. Why would you design it to be inside the car when the nine other teams havenât.â
The head of the McLaren also stressed on the issue of transparency in the sport in question.
âTransparency is incredibly important in todayâs day and age so I still have questions,â Brown continued.
âThey are still apprehensive,â said Dainton, when speaking to other team bosses. âI think the FIA will put the bottom on it.â