The “T-Tray” case involving Red Bull emerged yesterday, with the team accused of modifying the floor during parc fermé. Meanwhile, the FIA…
The U.S. Grand Prix weekend has kicked off with a heated start. Yesterday, two sensational pieces of news set the F1 world alight: first, the removal of the extra point for the fastest lap, and then the bombshell of the night—the T-Tray scandal. Formula 1 is gearing up for a weekend of high tension, both on and off the track. As initially reported by the Dutch newspaper “De Telegraaf,” a troubling situation arose in the paddock: suspicions that a team may have violated parc fermé rules by modifying their car’s floor, specifically the T-Tray. These rumors have now been confirmed.
Overnight, Red Bull’s name came into the spotlight. The Austrian team, which initially denied any wrongdoing, later admitted to the violation but claimed they had already reached an “agreement” with the FIA. The team, led by Christian Horner, sporting a new Texan look for the weekend, had tampered with the T-Tray, a component that, if adjusted, can influence the car’s setup. Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem, except that these changes took place under “parc fermé” conditions, during which any changes to the car’s setup are strictly forbidden.
The T-Tray, named for its tray-like shape, is a crucial element of the car’s floor, allowing Red Bull to adjust the ride height at the front end of the floor. But how did Red Bull get caught? McLaren officially accused the Milton Keynes-based team, spearheaded by their drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The timing couldn’t be worse, with both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships still up for grabs. Red Bull’s response has been concerning: after initially denying the claims, the team admitted to reaching a secret “agreement” with the FIA, which has left the paddock in a state of skepticism.
McLaren’s attack and Red Bull’s “apology”
McLaren launched a fierce attack on Red Bull, with Zak Brown and his team taking aim at Horner’s squad. Lando Norris openly expressed his displeasure during the press conference: “It’s one thing to have this device on the car, but it’s another to understand how much it helps and how much it’s being used. We have no clue. If they’ve benefited from it, then it could work in our favor… but we need to understand how much of an advantage it gave them.”
“I can’t say how many pole positions or wins they may have achieved thanks to this, and maybe it won’t change anything. But when I look at some qualifying sessions, where the gaps were just a few thousandths, it’s obvious that suspicions arise. It’s good that the FIA is stepping in: there’s a difference between exploiting a grey area and trying to innovate while staying within the rules. I believe McLaren falls into the latter category: we always make sure not to overstep the line.”
Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri echoed his thoughts: “Obviously, we’re all pushing the limits of the technical regulations. That’s what F1 has always been about. But from what I’ve heard, this goes beyond pushing the limits—it’s clearly breaking them. If it was used, it’s clear that those who did so didn’t just exploit a grey area, they crossed the line into forbidden territory. Our mini DRS was legal, even though we had to make some adjustments, and it wasn’t revolutionary for the car. We’ll see if this has any impact“.
Red Bull has been forced into a defensive position by McLaren’s accusations: “The system exists, but it’s inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to race. Through numerous email exchanges with the FIA, this aspect came to light, and a plan has been agreed upon going forward.” This U-turn has already sparked—and will continue to fuel—endless controversy, with a weekend of drama both on and off the track ahead.
Photo: Oracle Red Bull Racing, McLaren