Explained: FIA's action against the front bib parc ferme trick ahead of the F1 US GP

The paddock chatters within the Formula 1 fraternity confirmed that the FIA took cognizance of a growing suspicion regarding an unidentified team's use of floor tricks. The suspicion surfaced ahead of the upcoming United States Grand Prix at Austin and the report of the FIA's intervention broke ground on Wednesday.

Internal sources have confirmed that the governing body had discussions with several teams about the alleged floor tricks to gain performance during the race weekends. The trick involved the adjustment of ride height to maximize car performance.

As per reports, even a slight movement in the bib, be it lower or higher, makes a massive difference in an F1 car. It comes in handy in the case of qualifying where one single lap is very crucial, and in the case of race pace, where the team needs a heavier car over a race distance.

However, making such adjustments is a clear breach of FIA's technical regulations. It does not allow any changes to its aerodynamics configuration during different sessions, apart from the front wing, that too at Parc Ferme.

According to Article 40.2 of Technical Regulations,

"The aerodynamic set up of the front wing may be adjusted using the existing parts. No parts may be added, removed or replaced.”

Additionally, Article 40.9 also ensured,

"A competitor may not modify any part on the car. To ensure that teams do not have devices that allow for easy modifications, the rules add: “it must be clear from physical inspection that changes cannot be made without the use of tools."

In a nutshell, the allegations against a particular team regarding the use of floor tricks clearly go against the guidelines. However, the name of the team is still unknown.

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What did the FIA say about the anonymous tip?

Director of Pirelli F1 Mario Isola, Stefano Domenicali, CEO of the Formula One Group, and Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President. (from Left) Source: Getty Images

As the suspicion regarding a team's use of floor trick has come up, the FIA informed that they did not receive any formal complaint or conclusive evidence that such a truck was used.

"Any adjustment to the front bib clearance during parc ferme conditions is strictly prohibited by the regulations," a spokesperson told Autosport. "While we have not received any indication of any team employing such a system, the FIA remains vigilant in our ongoing efforts to enhance the policing of the sport."

"As part of this, we have implemented procedural adjustments to ensure that front bib clearance cannot be easily modified. In some cases, this may involve the application of a seal to provide further assurance of compliance.”

Formula 1 is to hold the 19th race and fourth Sprint of this season in Texas, United States this weekend. McLaren leads the Constructors' Championship while Max Verstappen is ahead in the Driver's Standings.