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FIA Steps Up Scrutiny Amid Car Height Adjustment Concerns in F1

Recent suspicions regarding potential adjustments to Formula 1 car ride heights under parc ferme conditions have prompted a swift response from the FIA during the ongoing United States Grand Prix weekend. Insights from industry sources reveal that teams have raised concerns with the FIA, focusing on a yet-to-be-identified team that may have devised a method for altering front bib clearance between qualifying sessions and the actual race.

The ability to modify the bib height, even minutely, could provide substantial advantages by better balancing the ride height requirements that differ between a low-fuel qualifying lap and the increased weight of a car during a race. Such tactical adjustments could significantly impact performance, making the scrutiny from FIA increasingly necessary.

Nonetheless, any such modifications would violate F1’s technical regulations, which prohibit changes to the car’s aerodynamic setup—excluding the front wing—once the vehicle enters parc ferme. Specifically, Article 40.2 of the regulations outlines permissible adjustments, stating that only the front wing’s aerodynamic setup can be modified using existing components. Furthermore, Article 40.9 clearly states: “A competitor may not modify any part on the car.”

To prevent illicit adjustments, the regulations emphasize that any alterations must be obvious from a physical inspection, ensuring that changes cannot be made without utilizing tools.

Concerns have arisen that a team may have engineered their car’s design to facilitate adjustments to the front bib—sometimes referred to as a T-tray—via cockpit settings. This could be executed by a mechanic during routine inspections between qualifying and the race, eluding detection by personnel outside of the team.

Teams have been advised of this potential modification following the requirement that the specifications for all cars be uploaded to FIA servers. These specifications are accessible to all competitors, raising the stakes for compliance. In light of ongoing concerns, the FIA has proactively decided to implement protocols beginning with the race in Austin.

While the FIA acknowledges the allegations surrounding such devices, it reports that there is no definitive proof that any team has actually employed such a tactic in Formula 1. However, they are adjusting their procedures to conduct thorough checks on front bib characteristics starting immediately, which may include employing seals on devices used to change the T-tray angle.

An FIA spokesperson remarked: “Any adjustment to the front bib clearance during parc ferme conditions is strictly prohibited by the regulations. While we have not received any indication that any team is utilizing such a system, the FIA remains vigilant in our ongoing efforts to enhance the policing of the sport. This includes implementing procedural adjustments to ensure front bib clearance cannot be easily modified. In some cases, this may involve sealing mechanisms to ensure compliance.”

This emergence of potential regulatory breaches occurs as the season approaches a critical juncture, with six races remaining and championship titles hanging in the balance.

Source
www.motorsport.com