The FIA has made a surprising statement following the discovery of a mysterious device on Max Verstappen’s Red Bull car during the United States Grand Prix weekend. This unusual component, which raised questions about its legality, has led to intense scrutiny from rival teams, including Mercedes and McLaren. The device reportedly allowed Red Bull to adjust the car’s front bib in a way that could offer a competitive advantage.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff did not hold back in his criticism, calling the device “outrageous” and raising concerns about its impact on the integrity of the sport. “I wonder how long it took them to design something like that. I didn’t know we were using such devices in Formula 1,” Wolff remarked in disbelief during an interview with RacingNews365.

The FIA’s statement revealed that they could not verify whether this device had been used during previous events, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over Red Bull’s recent performances. Despite the ambiguity, McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown has demanded the team sign affidavits to clarify the situation.

In its official response, the FIA acknowledged the presence of the device and confirmed that they are continuing their investigation. “We are looking into whether the system was in use during qualifying or the race, and we will take appropriate action if necessary,” an FIA spokesperson said.

As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about potential penalties Red Bull and Verstappen might face. Wolff, along with other team principals, stressed that a mere promise to stop using the device is insufficient. “It’s not enough to say, ‘That’s it, we won’t do it again.’ The sport relies on clear rules and accountability,” Wolff emphasized.

The outcome of the FIA’s investigation will be crucial as fans and teams alike await to see if Verstappen’s championship run could face any setbacks due to this technical controversy.