Lewis Hamilton acknowledged Red Bull’s front bib as an impressive innovation despite its controversial legality in Formula 1 regulations.
Formula 1 resumes this weekend with its 19th race of the season and excitement is in the air as fans gear up for the United States Grand Prix. However, alongside the thrill of competition, Red Bull has been accused of modifying the car’s parts under Parc Ferme conditions.
Concerns have emerged about potential modifications to car components during parc fermé conditions, specifically regarding front bib clearance. Discussions between the FIA and several F1 teams have raised alarms, especially after an unnamed team was implicated.
However, Red Bull accepted they installed such a bib but emphasized that it becomes inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to race. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton stated he wasn’t aware of this development until arriving in Austin.
The Briton emphasized that Formula 1 thrives on innovation and the pursuit of speed. Hamilton recognized Red Bull’s position as the leaders in the sport, noting the clever use of the T-tray trick in recent years.
I’ve only just heard about it, before I got here. But I think the name of our sport is all about innovation. Red Bull have been the leaders and they’ve innovated. Ultimately all the teams look at the rules and try to find how to massage those rules and get the most out of it.
Lewis Hamilton told Formula1
#USGP 🇺🇸 | Lewis Hamilton is asked about Red Bull’s bib device and whether the FIA should “police this very strongly.”
“I’ve only just heard about it, before I got here. But I think the name of our sport is all about innovation. Red Bull have been the leaders and they’ve… pic.twitter.com/agCHnZzk6t
— deni (@fiagirly) October 17, 2024
Lewis Hamilton asserts ‘God knows how long they’ve had it’ referring to Red Bull’s T-Tray
Red Bull has dominated the championship for the past three seasons, delivering outstanding performances last year by nearly winning every race. Many attribute their success to their innovative bib design, which has provided a significant advantage.
However, rival teams suspect that adjustments to this design occurred during the parc fermé conditions of the autumn break. Lewis Hamilton acknowledged that Red Bull did a better job in innovating the bib.
At the end of the day they did a better job. God knows how long they’ve had that, and they’ve been winning championships. Maybe that stops now.
Lewis Hamilton expressed
A Red Bull spokesperson confirmed that the team has been in touch with the FIA to address any concerns. To enhance transparency, the FIA plans to place a seal over the device operated by a mechanic, which will ensure that Red Bull cannot use the device without the FIA finding out.
