McLaren warns of 'serious repercussions' if Red Bull violated regulations.
McLaren's chief executive, Zak Brown, expressed significant concerns on Friday regarding the potential "massive consequences" if Red Bull, the reigning champions, are found to have violated Formula One regulations concerning modifications to car setups during closed 'parc ferme' conditions.
Red Bull, currently behind McLaren in the constructors' championship, has acknowledged the existence of a ride-height adjustment device in their vehicles but maintains that it cannot be accessed once the cars are fully assembled.
Following discussions with the governing body, FIA, the team has agreed to implement modifications, likely involving the addition of seals to the device.
During the US Grand Prix, Brown indicated that there remain unresolved questions regarding the situation. He implied that Red Bull's statement was deliberately crafted, noting that cars may not always be "fully assembled" in parc ferme, especially when addressing driver comfort issues.
"What is puzzling is the assertion that modifications cannot be made," he remarked to Sky Sports. "If it is indeed inaccessible post or during parc ferme, then what is the purpose of sealing it?"
Brown emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive investigation, asserting that any performance-related adjustments made to the car during or after parc ferme would constitute a clear and serious violation, carrying significant repercussions.
He stated that it is the responsibility of the FIA to devise a solution that is both transparent and satisfactory to all teams involved.
"I believe I share these concerns with others regarding what we have observed and heard," he added.
Competitors have voiced apprehensions that such a device could enable adjustments to the car's ride height between qualifying sessions and the race, which would be illegal yet could confer a competitive advantage.
Brown noted that Red Bull seems to be the only team in Formula One "capable of adjusting the ride height from within the cockpit," although he acknowledged that drivers would not be able to perform this action physically.
"Our inquiries are more focused on understanding any historical usage and whether it has been employed inappropriately," he stated.
Red Bull has secured victory in the last two constructors' championships, including an unprecedentedly dominant season last year, and has also claimed the last three drivers' titles with Max Verstappen at the helm.
Currently, Verstappen holds a 52-point lead over McLaren's Lando Norris in the standings, with six races left in the season.
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