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FIA closes Red Bull T-tray scandal amid McLaren tensions

FIA closes Red Bull T-tray scandal amid McLaren tensions
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Formula 1's governing body has officially put an end to the 'T-tray' scandal that emerged during the US Grand Prix weekend.

Formula 1's governing body has officially put an end to the 'T-tray' scandal that emerged during the US Grand Prix weekend.

In Austin, it became clear that several teams, particularly McLaren, raised concerns over Red Bull's ability to adjust the ride height of their car from the monocoque, even under parc ferme conditions.

"Every team is talking about this, as you can imagine," McLaren CEO Zak Brown said. "So I'm not alone.

"I may be a little more vocal than others on this particular topic, but I know that my concerns are shared by many."

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur also publicly expressed his concerns.

"This is not a grey area of the regulations," Vasseur stated. "There have been many grey areas since the start of the season, but this is not one of them.

"But we have to trust the FIA in everything."

In response, Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA's single-seater chief, has instructed Red Bull to completely remove the system by the Brazilian Grand Prix. Until then, tamper-proof seals will be applied during parc ferme to prevent adjustments.

"I think it's no longer a story from now on," Tombazis said.

"We have done everything necessary to avoid accusations, although insinuations between teams cannot be ruled out. But there is no evidence that Red Bull Racing did anything illegal.

"Of course, this is a tense championship and people look closely at each other's cars, but from our side, I think this matter is now closed," he added.

Despite the FIA's ruling, the rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull is expected to continue. Max Verstappen, however, has no plans to get involved in the friction.

"That Zak Brown and Christian (Horner) don't like each other is not my problem," Verstappen remarked.

Last month, repeated protests from Red Bull led to McLaren's 'mini DRS' rear wing being banned. Auto Motor und Sport suggests that McLaren's focus on the T-tray system may be in retaliation.

"It is a bit of a year of conspiracy theories," former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos commented on Ziggo Sport. "But on this story, you have to give Red Bull full credit for being open with the FIA.

"Brown of course wants everyone to be suspicious about Red Bull. He wants to take everything away from Red Bull so that McLaren can become champion. He does have a point though.

"Saying that, all of this distracts from the daily operations at Red Bull, and that is why Brown is doing it. He wants frustration within the Red Bull camp again," Doornbos added.

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Max Verstappen pictured on September 1, 2024
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