No Penalties: FIA Ends Probes on F1 T-Tray, Tire Cooling

The FIA concludes two major investigations, quelling recent controversies surrounding Red Bull’s T-Tray and McLaren’s alleged tire cooling.

The FIA conducted thorough (albeit swift) investigations into two major issues that have sparked controversy in recent weeks.

The investigations focused, on the one hand, on Red Bull’s ‘T-Tray’ (a device allowing cockpit control of the F1 car’s ride height, reportedly within Parc Fermé regulations); and on the other, on McLaren F1’s alleged illegal tire cooling through water injection.

In both cases, the FIA has closed the investigation. There will be no sanctions or expected impact on the constructors’ standings!

T-Tray Case Closed

Regarding the first investigation on ride height, the FIA conducted a detailed inquiry at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes factory.

The Federation concluded that the team did not use its ride-height adjuster illegally (in violation of Parc Fermé rules, by remotely influencing the ride height).

As soon as the case surfaced, the FIA had sealed the device. However, teams primarily wanted to know whether Red Bull had used this system unfairly in previous Grands Prix.

Investigators reportedly scrutinized car data, technical drawings, and conducted several interviews with key individuals.

They were thus assured that this device was never used to breach Parc Fermé rules.

“The FIA regularly reviews and inspects teams’ compliance with F1’s technical, sporting, and financial regulations, which may include spot checks on-site or inspections and investigations at team facilities,” the FIA stated.

“Similarly, F1 teams have the right to raise any concerns with the FIA regarding competitors’ regulatory compliance, a practice clearly intensified in championships with closer competition for the ultimate prize, as was the case in 2024.”

“The FIA takes these matters very seriously and seeks to investigate them thoroughly, beyond the regular checks it conducts during a race weekend and beyond.”

“As part of this evaluation process, FIA technical representatives visited Red Bull Racing’s headquarters to investigate recent allegations surrounding their front floor design and its usage. This inquiry concluded that no infraction had occurred, reaffirming the stance taken by the FIA at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.”

How could the FIA verify that Red Bull hadn’t used this device in recent Grands Prix? It’s hard to say. Trust in the investigators is essential…

The Tire Cooling Case Also Closed

The FIA has closed another significant investigation, this one concerning tire cooling by several teams, including McLaren F1.

Suspicions had arisen before the Brazilian Grand Prix that several teams might have injected water into their tires for cooling, which would naturally aid in sustaining race pace.

Red Bull had noted moisture in some rims after the Singapore Grand Prix, prompting Christian Horner’s vehement complaint amid the T-Tray controversy.

The FIA conducted investigations in Brazil, with Tombazis personally inspecting the tires and rims after they were dismantled following the sprint race at Interlagos.

Once again, the FIA reports finding nothing illegal.

“Additionally, the FIA investigated recent allegations during the last Grand Prix in Brazil that competitors might have used water to manage tire overheating. No evidence was found to suggest irregular behavior.”

“We consider both matters closed, though we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”