The International Automobile Federation, today, declared the T-Tray case closed. In the indicated area, teams install a device that allows the mechanics to adjust the car’s ground clearance and make more targeted setup adjustments.
The FIA’s position
However, in the United States Grand Prix at the Austin circuit, after receiving several complaints from the teams, the FIA opened an investigation into Red Bull for allegedly using this system in an abnormal way during the parc fermé period (the period between qualifying and the race). As we have often repeated, it is not the infamous device that is irregular, but rather the way it is used.
Before today, technical director Nicholas Tombazis had commented on the episode, stating that it would have been very complicated to act retroactively and investigate how Red Bull might have used it in recent years. However, the FIA wanted to go to the bottom of the matter, reaching today’s decision that fully cleared the Austrians of any accusations.
McLaren’s insistence
According to the investigation conducted by the Federation, the Milton Keynes team did not commit any violation, but apparently, this is not enough for some competitors. Especially McLaren, whose CEO Zak Brown has reportedly not given up on pursuing his battle, confident in Red Bull’s guilt: “I would like to see senior executives, former chief mechanics, and current technicians sign a sworn declaration stating that they have never used or were unaware of its use,” he said, as reported by ‘GPBlog.com’.
These are undoubtedly strong comments from Zak Brown, but they come perhaps a bit too late. The FIA has already spoken, and now, besides being pointless, it would also be unorthodox to question the Federation’s word. The checks have been made, and nothing irregular was found. The case is closed.
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