The FIA introduces new T-tray checks at the US GP following suspicions of aerodynamic manipulation by an unidentified Formula 1 team.
The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, has confirmed it will take immediate action starting from this weekend’s United States Grand Prix due to concerns that an unidentified team may be exploiting a tactic to alter its ride height.
Several teams have been in discussions with the FIA over the past few weeks amid suspicions that an unnamed team is adjusting the front part of its floor — commonly referred to as the T-tray — between qualifying and the race.
This tactic would offer a significant aerodynamic advantage, allowing teams to adjust the car to meet the different ride height requirements for qualifying laps with low fuel loads as well as for the higher fuel load needed for race distance. However, this would be a clear violation of F1’s technical regulations, which prohibit changes to the car’s aerodynamic configuration outside of the front wing in parc fermé conditions.
It is believed that one team may have found a way to bypass this rule, allowing adjustments to be made from inside the cockpit, potentially by a mechanic during routine pre-race preparations.
Although the FIA has found no conclusive evidence that this tactic has been used by any team, the governing body confirmed that it is modifying its inspection procedures starting from the US GP.
The new procedure may include the sealing of any devices used to adjust the T-tray.
A representative of the FIA told Nextgen-auto.com: “Any adjustment of the T-tray clearance in parc fermé conditions is strictly prohibited by the regulations.”
“Although we have not received any indication of a team using such a system, the FIA remains vigilant in its ongoing efforts to improve oversight of the sport.”
“As part of this, we have implemented procedural adjustments to ensure that the T-tray height cannot be easily modified.”
“In some cases, this may involve applying a seal to provide additional assurance of compliance.”
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FIA Tightens T-Tray Rules Amid F1 Team Manipulation Fears FIA Tightens T-Tray Rules Amid F1 Team Manipulation Fears
