Red Bull T-tray controversy: diverging opinions between McLaren’s Andrea Stella and Zak Brown. McLaren's Andrea Stella and Zak Brown have different opinions about Red Bull's T-tray case.

For Andrea Stella, the case is closed
Can the T-tray case already be considered archived? It seems so, at least for the moment. After strong controversies arose at the beginning of the weekend regarding Red Bull’s alleged use of a device capable of altering the height of the T-tray at will during parc fermé, the situation has slowly begun to cool down, allowing for action on the track.

“From our side, there was no evidence that something like this was happening,” stated Nikolas Tombazis, FIA single-seater director, effectively closing the case. Surely it would be something illegal. For this reason, even though we had no proof that it was really happening, we decided that from this race onwards, it would no longer be allowed.” – the former Ferrari technical director explained.

“A team has a design that allows height variation; it will not be permitted to have access to parc fermé. I believe all teams have understood this, and the situation is currently under control. On our part, we have done everything necessary to put an end to the controversies. There is nothing concerning on our side. It is a true ‘non-story.’” – he pointed out.

Unlike Zak Brown, who has called for more in-depth checks on the solution patented by Red Bull, Andrea Stella has readily accepted the FIA’s explanations regarding the case: “The issue at this stage can be approached in different ways. One can close the matter or continue to push it forward. My point of view is that when these types of issues are in the hands of the FIA and the technical department, these are capable people who have more information than we do as a team and more tools to gather more information than we have.” – the Italian manager said during the United States Grand Prix weekend at the Austin circuit.

“They have the necessary expertise. As far as I’m concerned, I trust what they do. If the FIA believes the matter is closed, I take that as good and accept it. The matter is closed, and I move on.”

The Italian then added: “We teams should try to be more respectful of the FIA because it’s not easy. It’s one of those roles I wouldn’t trade, because they try to prevent competitors from maximizing performance. Sometimes this performance is white, sometimes it’s gray, sometimes it’s black. In this case, if there was a practice of adjusting the front bib in parc fermé, in that case, it’s simple: it’s black. But it’s interesting to note that it leaves no trace. So, it’s unknown whether it happened or not.” – Andrea Stella concluded.