Christian Horner slams rivals for ‘moaning’ over Red Bull’s banned F1 car trick
Christian Horner criticizes McLaren's Zak Brown for raising concerns about Red Bull's newly banned device on RB20.
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Christian Horner and RB20 (via IMAGO)
Concerns emerged among rival teams regarding Red Bull Racing’s potential manipulation of the RB20’s front ride height. It was believed the adjustments were made during the Parc ferme conditions, which violates F1 regulations. This adjustment not only raised questions about compliance with the rules but also suggested a significant performance advantage for Red Bull. Team principal Christian Horner breaks silence for the first time about the situation.
Christian Horner criticized McLaren for complaining about Red Bull Racing’s front bib device, emphasizing that all teams have similar tools. He noted that Red Bull’s mechanism, located in the front footwell, has been compliant and publicly available for three years.
Horner stated that it is the FIA’s responsibility to investigate these concerns and expressed confidence in their oversight process. In response to Zak Brown‘s calls for severe penalties, the Briton suggested frustration rather than genuine violations influenced McLaren’s complaints.
I think there has been a bit of moaning from one of our rivals, and it is the FIA’s job to look into these things. It is on a list of open-source components so it has been publicly available for the last three years. The FIA are happy with it, just to satisfy some paranoia elsewhere in the paddock.
Christian Horner told SkySportsF1
Horner suggested that McLaren’s complaints might serve as a strategic distraction in their fierce competition with Red Bull Racing. He implied that McLaren could be attempting to shift the focus away from Red Bull. This tactic might cause more problems for Red Bull, allowing McLaren to continue their struggle with performance. Horner suggested that rather than focusing on their own weaknesses, McLaren might be trying to highlight Red Bull’s actions.
Sometimes, to perhaps distract from what is going on in your own house, sometimes you try to light a fire somewhere else.
Christian Horner stated.
Christian Horner adamant Red Bull has done nothing wrong
Christian Horner pointed out that the T-tray has been a part of Red Bull’s car for three years and remains unchanged during Parc ferme conditions. After inspecting it, the FIA expressed satisfaction and recognized the T-tray as a significant innovation from Red Bull.
In Formula 1, innovation is crucial, as teams constantly push the limits of technology and engineering. Max Verstappen‘s rival, Lewis Hamilton, also acknowledged that their bib is a great innovation if it’s not altered under Parc ferme conditions. Horner firmly emphasized that Red Bull has done nothing wrong in their pursuit for performance.
It was actually a conversation we had with the FIA in Singapore. The FIA have looked at it and they are more than happy with it. Totally happy with it.
Christian Horner explained
Certainly, The FIA has permitted Red Bull to use the T-tray during practice. This component complies with regulations and can be utilized throughout practice sessions. However, any changes made to it during the Parc ferme conditions, which start after qualifying and last until the race, would be considered illegal.
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Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)