Lewis Hamilton issues his verdict as Red Bull's parc ferme trick is uncovered

Lewis Hamilton recently gave his opinion on Red Bull's new parc ferme trick to alter the front bib on their RB20. The seven-time world champion also touched on the topic of constant innovation that F1 teams strive towards, something that the Austrian team has done.

According to Motorsport.com, the FIA banned the bib alterations on the eve of the 2024 F1 US GP. The bib is essentially a T-ray underneath the front wing, behind the front axle. If this part is altered, it changes the ride height of the car, which should not be modified. Hence, the governing body made the changes in the technical regulations ahead of the race in Austin.

It was later known that Red Bull was the team that was altering the front bib between race sessions to get an advantage in races. Ahead of the US GP, drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, were asked for their opinions on the matter.

Speaking to F1.com, the Mercedes star felt that innovation is at the core of the sport, and Red Bull has been the leader in bringing new ideas to the table to get an advantage. He understands that teams surf the rules and try to find any loophole that can be advantageous.

Hamilton also wondered how long the defending world champions must have been using the adjustable front bib. He then questioned whether it could have helped them win previous championships.

“I’ve only just heard about it, before I got here. But I think the name of our sport is all about innovation. Red Bull have been the leaders and they’ve innovated. Ultimately all the teams look at the rules and try to find how to massage those rules and get the most out of it,” Hamilton said.

“At the end of the day they did a better job. God knows how long they’ve had that, and they’ve been winning championships. Maybe that stops now… I don’t think that’s the one thing that’s going to stop them. I think everyone else, we gotta continue to be innovators and leading rather than try and catch up,” he added.

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Red Bull admits having an adjustable front bib but claims it cannot be altered after RB20 is assembled

After the FIA changed the technical regulation, banning front bib's alteration, Red Bull issued a statement through a senior representative. The team admitted that they were using an adjustable front bib, but claimed that it becomes inaccessible once the RB20 is fully assembled and ready to drive.

The team's spokesperson also claimed that they have come up with a plan with the FIA to tackle the situation in the future. No further details were shared about the plan itself.

"Yes it exists although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run. In the numerous correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up and we have agreed a plan going forward," a Red Bull senior representative said.

The defending world champions are currently second in the constructors' championship with 475 points and are chasing table leaders McLaren which has 516 points.