Hamilton defends 'innovative' Red Bull over 'illegal' F1 device

Lewis Hamilton has defended Red Bull's 'innovative' F1 trick that has been branded illegal after an FIA clampdown.

In the build-up to the United States GP at Austin, it was reported that the governing body was looking into reports that one team had a device whereby it could change the angle of the bib or T-Tray of the car in parc ferme between qualifying and the race. 

This would bring major performance benefits, with Red Bull admitting it was the team at the centre of the storm, but that the device, which is not driver-operated, could not be accessed once the car was fully built.

Max Verstappen scoffed at claims the device brought a performance boost as old title rival Hamilton waded in and defended Red Bull.

"Look, I mean I've only just heard about it before I got here, but the name of our sport is all about innovation," Hamilton told Sky Sports F1.

"Red Bull have been the leaders and they've innovated, and ultimately, all the teams look at the rules and massage them to try get the most out of it, even if it is just over the edge a little bit.

"Ultimately, the FIA has already put out a statement, but you just need to continue to evolve and be better policed.

"But at the end of the day, they've done a better job. 

"God knows how long they've had that and they've been winning championships, but maybe that stops now.

"I don't think that is is just one thing that is going to stop them, but everyone else has got to continue innovating as a leader rather than trying to catch up."