Red Bull have confirmed they are to modify Max Verstappen’s car following talks with the FIA.
Formula 1‘s governing body, the FIA, spoke to Red Bull in relation to a controversial device that allows them to alter their car’s ride height between qualifying sessions and the race.
Red Bull have been forced to make changes to Verstappen’s car ahead of the US Grand PrixGetty
However, current rules state it is forbidden to make the changes to their car’s set-up, apart from to the front wing angle, after qualifying when cars are under parc ferme conditions.
The part of the car in question was the front bib, an area at the front of the floor in the middle of the motor.
An FIA statement said: “Any adjustment to the front bib clearance during parc ferme conditions is strictly prohibited by the regulations.
“While we have not received any indication of any team employing such a system, the FIA remains vigilant in our ongoing efforts to enhance the policing of the sport.
“As part of this, we have implemented procedural adjustments to ensure that front bib clearance cannot be easily modified.
“In some cases, this may involve the application of a seal to provide further assurance of compliance.”
Admitting to their use of the device, a Red Bull team spokesperson said: “Yes, it (the device) exists although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run. In the correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up and we have agreed a plan going forward.”
The modification could have huge connotations for the remainder of the season and the eventual destination of this season’s F1 World championship.
British driver Norris is just 52 points adrift of Verstappen in the driver standings following his victory in Singapore last month.
Norris, who had just six rounds remaining to dethrone Verstappen, welcomed the FIA ruling ahead of Sunday’s US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
GettyMax Verstappen’s lead at the top of the driver’s standings has been cut to 52 points[/caption]
Lando Norris was victorious in Singapore and is eyeing up a fourth season victory in TexasGetty
He said: “If it has been helping them, and they have been using it in a way people think they have, maybe it will shift in our direction.
“When we look at gaps in qualifying that have been just hundredths of a second, you might say it has helped them.
“It is good the FIA are doing such a thing. There is a difference between black-and-white stuff like this and Formula One pushing the boundaries and innovating. That is what we at McLaren have done a very good job at.”
