The FIA has formally cleared Red Bull of any wrongdoing concerning the use of its front bib adjuster following a comprehensive investigation at the team's Milton Keynes facility. Recent suspicions from rival teams had placed Red Bull in the spotlight, with allegations that it may have been adjusting the front bib height between qualifying and the race—a potential breach of strict parc fermé rules.
The controversy initially surfaced ahead of the United States Grand Prix, where Red Bull's innovative adjuster—a tool capable of raising and lowering the car’s tea tray—caught the attention of rival teams. Concerned that this device could be used to change the car’s setup after qualifying, competitors raised the issue with the FIA. In response, the FIA acted quickly by sealing the adjuster, preventing any alterations once cars were under parc fermé conditions.
However, some teams, including McLaren and Mercedes, voiced concerns that Red Bull may have previously used the device to gain an advantage. McLaren's CEO Zak Brown urged the FIA to conduct in-depth interviews with Red Bull staff, while Mercedes' Toto Wolff anticipated that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem would step in to address the matter thoroughly.
The FIA initially stated that it found no evidence of misuse and emphasized the challenges of conducting a retroactive investigation over the past two years. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis addressed the issue at the U.S. Grand Prix, explaining that proving historical use beyond the current season would be difficult. He added, “Can I say with complete certainty about whether there's ever been anything irregular? No. Can I say that the matter is closed? Yes, absolutely.”
Following continued lobbying from rival teams, the FIA agreed to a deeper investigation after the Brazilian Grand Prix to definitively assess Red Bull's compliance. Senior FIA officials then visited Red Bull’s factory in Milton Keynes, reviewing data logs, examining car components and design drawings, and conducting interviews with relevant personnel.
Following the visit, the FIA declared that Red Bull had complied with regulations and that there was no evidence suggesting that the adjuster had ever been used in an illegal manner. In a statement, the FIA emphasized its commitment to enforcing F1 regulations through regular checks, both on-site at circuits and via inspections at team factories.
The FIA added, “The FIA routinely reviews and inspects the conformance to the technical, sporting, and financial regulations of F1 teams. It is common for teams to bring up concerns about the compliance of their competitors, especially in close championships like 2024.”
The announcement effectively closes the case on Red Bull’s front bib adjuster and confirms the team’s compliance, though it highlights the intense scrutiny and competitive dynamics among F1 teams, particularly during a close-fought championship season.
