Red Bull mechanic tries to block TV cameras after Ted Kravitz spots something ‘amazing’ at US Grand Prix

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Red Bull are under the microscope at the US Grand Prix amid controversy over a ride height device on the RB20. They’ve already agreed to make changes to their car.

The reigning world champions are unique among F1’s 10 teams in the positioning of the mechanism. It allows them to lower the car’s ‘front bib’, dropping it closer to the ground.

If they did this in Parc Ferme between qualifying and practice, it would be a serious breach of the regulations. In terms of set-up, teams are only allowed to change the front wing angle in that period.

That means they have to find a ride-height compromise that works for both Saturday and Sunday. It’s advantageous to run the car as low as possible on low fuel, generating maximum downforce.

However, the car is weighed down by a full tank during a Grand Prix. Teams must be wary of excessive wear on the underfloor plank, because this can lead to disqualification.

The FIA say there’s no evidence that Red Bull, or indeed any other team, have been altering their ride height when it’s forbidden to do so. Christian Horner’s squad have stressed that their device is inaccessible once their car is fully assembled.

Ted Kravitz stunned by FIA investigation into Red Bull ride height at device at US Grand Prix

Shortly after Friday’s opening practice session at the Circuit of the Americas, Sky Sports F1 cameras picked up the FIA carrying out an investigation in the Red Bull garage. Two scrutineers watched as mechanic Ole Schack demonstrated the procedure for the controversial device.

Analyst Ted Kravitz ‘couldn’t quite believe’ what he was seeing. He didn’t expect Red Bull to be so transparent.

Sure enough, one of Schack’s colleagues then appeared to try and prevent the process being filmed. Teams are often sensitive about what gets broadcast from their garage.

Kravitz said: “It’s amazing what you see when you stay around the pit lane for a bit. This is the Red Bull number one mechanic Ole Schack demonstrating to two FIA scrutineers exactly how they do it.

“I never thought that they were actually going to be this open. This is fascinating. I could watch this all day.

“I think we’re just getting one of the senior mechanics at Red Bull just coming in to block our cameras. I still can’t quite believe we’re actually watching it being demonstrated.”

What Christian Horner said off-air about Red Bull front bib controversy

Zak Brown was unhappy with Red Bull’s statement addressing the issue. He didn’t feel their explanation fully ‘stacked up’.

The McLaren CEO says his rivals chose their words ‘very carefully’. They’re allowed to disassemble their car under Parc Ferme conditions as long as they’re making changes for driver comfort, which has raised his suspicions.

His comments come in the midst of an intense competition between the two teams. It’s McLaren who have a 41-point edge in the constructors’ championship, but Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is 52 ahead of Lando Norris in the drivers’.

Speaking off-air, Christian Horner tried to dismiss the front bib story. He pointed out that the team would have to take the pedals out to make a ride-height change, which would no doubt draw the attention of the FIA.