Recent accusations have arisen against Red Bull Racing for allegedly using a device to alter car ride height during parc ferme conditions ahead of the United States Grand Prix. Dubbed the ‘bib’ or ‘tea-tray’, this mechanism has sparked fierce debates among fans, with opinions split between labeling it as “cheating” and praising it as “innovation.” Surprisingly, Lewis Hamilton, the renowned seven-time world champion from Mercedes, has stepped in to defend Red Bull against these claims.
Formula 1 thrives on pushing the limits of the rulebook, which is something to celebrate.
“The essence of our sport revolves around innovation,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1, via Crash.net. “Red Bull has been at the forefront, continuously innovating.”
“All teams look at the regulations, seeking ways to maximize their potential, even if it means skirting the edges a bit.”
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Red Bull confirmed they made adjustments to their setup after discussions with the FIA, Formula 1’s governing body.
Max Verstappen, leading the Driver’s Championship, has played down the significance of the alleged device on their performance, stating:
“For us, it was just a handy tool. It made adjustments simpler when the parts were off. But once the car is complete, you can’t interact with it anymore.”
“So, it doesn’t really alter [anything].”
He added, “Initially, I thought other teams were doing it, so it was surprising to find the association with our team.”
Conversely, opinions in the paddock vary. Lando Norris from McLaren expressed skepticism regarding Red Bull’s interpretation of regulations. As he competes for the championship for the first time, Norris believes there’s a clear line between acceptable innovation and rule violations.
“There’s a fine line between outright breaches and pushing the limits within the allowed space,” Norris explained.
Historical parallels exist, such as the controversies involving Mercedes’ dual-axis steering and Ferrari’s disputed power units in previous seasons.
As Hamilton wisely noted, the push for ongoing innovation within proper boundaries remains essential.
“We all need to continue innovating rather than merely trying to catch up.”