Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has pushed back against criticism from rival teams regarding a device in their RB20, labelling it as “paranoia.” This comes after the FIA took steps to seal the device, which can potentially adjust the car’s front bib height—an act deemed suspicious by other teams ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
Currently, Max Verstappen is leading the Driver’s Championship, although McLaren sits atop the Constructor’s Standings. The focus is on a cockpit device that reportedly allows modifications to the car’s ride height in parc ferme conditions—a possible violation of F1 rules, as it could provide an unfair advantage by optimizing setups for qualifying and the race.
McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown has openly questioned Red Bull’s practices, stating, “From what we can see, it is the only team that has the ability to adjust the ride height from inside the cockpit, and that raises questions.”
Horner dismissed the claims, interpreting them as a distraction from rivals’ issues. He explained to Sky Sports F1, “There’s been a bit of moaning from one of our rivals…It’s on a list of open-source components, available for the last three years.” He believes the FIA is content, suggesting that the uproar stems from insecurity elsewhere in the paddock.
Meanwhile, Brown insists the FIA should enforce strict consequences if Red Bull’s device is determined to be against the regulations, asserting, “Being able to run the car lower is a competitive advantage. I’m comfortable the FIA is on top of a potential issue.”
As the 2024 F1 season nears its end, with the US Grand Prix kicking off crucial races, Verstappen is battling McLaren’s Lando Norris for the title. Allegations like these could complicate matters for Red Bull, especially as they’ve slipped in the Constructor’s standings.
Red Bull has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Historically, the team has weathered numerous controversies, like the scrutiny over their rear wing design in 2021, leading to tighter FIA regulations. Under Horner’s leadership, the team has claimed six championships, and with such success comes significant scrutiny. More updates on this unfolding situation are expected over the weekend.