McLaren F1 CEO calls for more “transparency” amid Red Bull control

Amid ongoing scrutiny of Red Bull Racing's possible breach of parc ferme regulations, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has called for greater transparency and further investigation into the situation.

Before the Grand Prix weekend in Austin, allegations surfaced against Red Bull Racing regarding the use of a front bib adjuster. This component could allow adjustments to the vehicle's front number height during parc ferme when modifications to the vehicles are strictly prohibited.

While speaking to the media at the Circuit of the Americas, Brown stated:

“I am very pleased that the FIA ​​​​is involved.

“I think it needs to be a very thorough investigation because if you touch your car in parc ferme from a performance perspective, that's black and white stuff, a significant violation – which should have massive consequences.”

“Touching your car after parc ferme is highly illegal under the rules. Therefore, I think the FIA ​​​​needs to get to the bottom of the question: were they or weren’t they?”

However, Red Bull insists on compliance with FIA regulations. According to a spokesperson for the Milton Keynes-based team:

“Yes, it exists, although it is no longer accessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to drive. In the many correspondences we have with the FIA, this component has been discussed and we have agreed on a plan for the future.”

Zak Brown addressed the statement and added:

“Touching your car after parc ferme is highly illegal under the rules. Therefore, I think the FIA ​​​​needs to get to the bottom of the question: were they, right?

“When you see cleverly worded comments like, 'You can't do that when it's fully assembled… I know the car isn't always fully assembled. And then the FIA ​​says they have to put a seal on it. Why would the FIA ​​​​do that too? Do you have to seal something if it is not accessible?

“Transparency is crucial in this day and age. So I still have questions. From conversations with other team bosses, I know that they still have questions. Until these questions are answered, I think it's still an ongoing investigation to find the bottom.” You know: What do we know?

“I'd like a few more answers before I jump into the question: 'Right, I guess they were, or they weren't.' But I think the FIA ​​​​will manage it.

Brown concluded:

“Why would you design it to fit in the car when the nine other teams haven’t?

“Of course it would be unfair of me to say they cheated. I have an opinion on whether I think they cheated or not, but I think the FIA ​​needs to be very careful in finding out whether they cheated. “I think they (Red Bull) did or not.