Red Bull has made a change to their RB20 car in response to a ride-height device issue raised by the FIA ahead of the 2024 United States Grand Prix. The controversy revolves around a potential system within the car’s front “bib” that could alter ride height between qualifying and the race, which would be a violation of the strict “parc ferme” rules. These rules only allow minimal changes, such as front wing adjustments, once cars enter parc ferme after qualifying.
A Red Bull spokesperson confirmed the existence of the ride-height mechanism but clarified that it is not accessible once the car is fully assembled for racing. This system, however, raised concerns, prompting the FIA to investigate and tighten enforcement of regulations regarding ride-height modifications. The governing body emphasized that any such system would be illegal and announced increased monitoring to ensure compliance, even considering measures like sealing the front bib to prevent tampering.
The importance of ride height in F1 cannot be overstated. Lowering the car increases downforce and performance, particularly for one-lap speed in qualifying. During the race, a slightly higher ride height is preferred for stability, especially with a full fuel load. Teams must find a balance, as these settings cannot be altered during parc ferme conditions .
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