F1 Rumor: The FIA catches an F1 team with T-Tray/Bib device

Red Bull have admitted a front bib device does exist, and have made changes to the car after discussions with the FIA A Red Bull spokesperson told BBC Sport:

“Yes, (the device) exists, although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run.”

“In the numerous correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up, and we have agreed a plan going forward.”

An FIA statement said: “Any adjustment to the front bib clearance during parc fermé conditions is strictly prohibited by the regulations.

“While we have not received any indication of any team employing such a system, the FIA remains vigilant in our ongoing efforts to enhance the policing of the sport.

“As part of this, we have implemented procedural adjustments to ensure that front bib clearance cannot be easily modified.

“In some cases, this may involve the application of a seal to provide further assurance of compliance.”

Sources close to the situation say the FIA was informed of the device on the Red Bull over the course of the Singapore Grand Prix weekend last month.

Rivals had seen its existence in what are known as open-source component documents that teams have to provide to the FIA about the design of their cars.

The ability to adjust the floor of the car would enable teams to better balance the demands of qualifying and racing.

October 17, 2024

The FIA have reportedly held discussions with F1 teams following suspicions of a car ride height adjustment trick under parc fermé conditions.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Talks have taken place after one unnamed team was alleged to have found a way to adjust front bib clearance between qualifying and the race, a breach of technical regulations.

The T-Tray (also called the Bib) is positioned well ahead of the car’s underfloor tunnels, its design greatly affects airflow behind it and how air enters the tunnels. It also serves to split the airflow to the left and right, with a small percentage of air flowing beneath the plank’s lower surface. Engineers aim to use this opportunity to energize the airflow by creating vortices that later enter the underfloor tunnels.

The FIA F1 rules state: “The aerodynamic set up of the front wing may be adjusted using the existing parts. No parts may be added, removed or replaced. A competitor may not modify any part of the car.”

Meaning, only the front wings on the car be adjusted between qualifying and the race. Changing the ride height of the front bib is clearly a breach of the rules. Is this why McLaren was so fast all of a sudden from the Miami GP onward?