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McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed serious concerns over Red Bull’s controversial bib device on the floor of their car, calling for the FIA to provide clarity on whether it gave the reigning champions a performance advantage. Speaking to media, including Sportskeeda, ahead of the 2024 USGP, Brown emphasized the need for answers regarding the device, which reportedly helps adjust the car’s ride height between qualifying and the race.
Red Bull admitted to having the device but claimed it was inaccessible to drivers from the cockpit, contrary to suspicions. The FIA has since sealed the device in Parc Ferme, ensuring it cannot be tampered with.
Brown, when asked by Sportskeeda, confirmed that McLaren’s concerns were genuine, stressing that any advantage gained by Red Bull must be fully investigated. He expressed confidence in the FIA to conduct a thorough investigation and added that McLaren’s rear wing had passed all compliance tests, ensuring their car was fully legal.
Asked by Sportskeeda if there was a genuine concern about Red Bull’s device or if it was a war of words given that their rear wing was also in contention, Brown replied:
“Absolutely. Our rear wings passed every single test. We've made some small modifications, as have some others. So that's a non-issue. I think on the floor, if, and I say if, because I don't know, it's used in an inappropriate manner, then it is definitely a performance advantage. If it's not, then there's no performance advantage whatsoever. And I think that's what we just want to better understand.”
Asked if he wanted another solution to the matter rather than FIA’s decision to seal the part, the McLaren CEO said:
“You know, I don't know, because I'm not the most technical person in our racing team. I've got confidence that the FIA will resolve the issue. I understand they're having to modify and change their racing car for upcoming races. I'm not exactly sure when. So I'm confident in the FIA's ability to address it moving forward. And our questions are a bit more around what has maybe historically happened in understanding if it's been used in an inappropriate manner.”
McLaren boss expects FIA to probe the Red Bull ‘bib device’ and impose consequences if it has been misused
McLaren’s Zak Brown believes that if Red Bull tampered with their bib device in violation of Parc Fermé regulations, there should be consequences.
Speaking ahead of the 2024 USGP, Brown stressed the importance of receiving more detailed explanations from the FIA about the nature and function of the device, which has raised suspicions about potentially giving Red Bull a performance advantage.
Brown specifically called for the FIA to clarify whether the device could be accessed from the cockpit and if Red Bull had gained an unfair advantage by altering the car’s ride height between sessions. He emphasized that any breach of Parc Fermé rules would need to be addressed seriously and could warrant penalties if proven.
Asked what consequences he expected for Red Bull for breaching the Parc Ferme, the McLaren chief replied:
“Well, I think if you breach the Parc Fermé rules that's a massive breach, and so there should be consequences. if that has happened, and that would be ultimately up to the FIA. We've seen it in sport before. We've seen it in our sport. We've seen it in baseball. We've seen it in football. You know, these things do happen, so just put our trust in the FIA to address the issue moving forward. We're just asking questions, but it's up to the FIA as our regulator, who do a great job, to get on top of it and come up with a solution that is transparent and is satisfactory to all the teams. I think I'm not alone in our concerns for what we have seen and heard.”
Asked how far back he wanted the FIA to go with the investigation, Brown said:
“As long as the device has had the ability to be adjusted from inside the cockpit, I think is probably what needs to be reviewed.”
The FIA has taken action by sealing Red Bull’s bib device in Parc Fermé, preventing the team from making any adjustments to their car’s ride height between qualifying and the race.
However, the tension between McLaren and Red Bull has escalated into an off-track war of words as the 2024 season enters its final stages. McLaren has raised concerns over Red Bull’s potential performance advantage from the device, while Red Bull has requested an investigation into McLaren’s front and rear wings.
McLaren’s rear wing, which featured a movable flap, was tweaked during the Monza race weekend, sparking further controversy.
While the FIA has confirmed McLaren’s rear wing as compliant, the focus remains on Red Bull’s bib device, and the dispute could continue through the USGP weekend. As both teams vie for critical points in the championship, this controversy may add another layer of complexity to their on-track rivalry.
