FIA deliver verdict on Red Bull trick device

The FIA's head of single seaters, Nikolas Tombazis, has insisted that Red Bull's adjustable ride height device is a "non-story" following the governing body's intervention.

Red Bull has been scrutinised at the United States Grand Prix after confirming that it does have a ride-height device in the RB20, something McLaren CEO Zak Brown judged as "highly illegal" if it had been used. 

It was brought to the FIA's attention at the Singapore Grand Prix by another team, with two personnel from the governing body seen inspecting Red Bull's car following practice at the Circuit of the Americas. 

Red Bull confirming the existence of the device led to speculation that it could be used during and after parc fermé to adjust the ride-height of the RB20, something the FIA has no proof of.

To end the scrutiny and accusations, the FIA has intervened by putting a seal over the device, to ensure that any adjustments can be easily detected. 

Explaining the situation to Sky Sports F1, Tombazis said: "At the previous race [in Singapore], it was pointed out to us that certain designs could allow a change of the height of the front of the car, which some people call a bib, in parc fermé, and we didn't have any indication or any proof that anybody was doing something like that. 

"That would clearly be illegal under parc fermé regulations. But I would say we didn't have any clear indication that somebody was doing such a thing. So we said that from this race onwards, there must be no possibility to do such a thing at all. 

"So if a team has a design that would allow a quick change of that height, then it will have to be sealed so they cannot have access in parc fermé. 

"And I think all teams have adhered to that, and as far as we are concerned, that's reasonably under control."

FIA not concerned

With the FIA now being on top of the situation, Tombazis has no concerns over Red Bull and the device. 

The 56-year-old no longer views it as a story but recognises that some teams are looking very closely at what others are doing, particularly in what is a close title fight between the Milton Keynes-based outfit and McLaren.

"I think it's certainly not a story from now on," insisted Tombazis. "I think we've done all that's needed to stop there being any accusations."

"Of course, it is a tight championship and people get excited about each other's cars. 

"We can't definitively close the previous races, or any insinuations between teams in a very competitive environment.

"But in the present situation, we believe it's a non-story,"