Red Bull mechanics ‘block’ Sky Sports cameras as reporter can’t believe what he was seeing
Red Bull very nearly gave an accidental demonstration to the world for one of their biggest F1 tricks, before cameras were sent packing.
Formula One fans would probably love to get a sneak peek of the Red Bull garage — as would the team’s biggest rivals on the track — but cameras were blocked from recording an inspection by the FIA recently.
The United States Grand Prix takes place this weekend, with Max Verstappen looking to continue his dominance at the top of the F1 leaderboard. The 27-year-old is storming ahead with seven wins this season, giving him an almost unassailable lead with six races to go.
But, no successful racing team gets anywhere by sharing their best secrets, and Red Bull Racing been very careful not to let anything slip when it comes to the adjustments they make to their cars over a weekend.
Red Bull have endured some turbulence of late, to say the least. Verstappen did not hold back when criticising the group for the sacking of Daniel Ricciardo after the Singapore Grand Prix last month.
Sergio Perez has taken over the secondary seat within the team, for now, but more permanent changes are expected at the end of the season.
Naturally, Red Bull like to play things pretty close to the chest, and they ensured the secrets of their ride height device on the RB20 remained hidden by blocking Sky Sports cameras from recording an inspection by the FIA this weekend.
Max Verstappen looks likely to secure his fourth successive Formula One Driver’s Championship title this season. (Image: Getty)
While Ted Kravitz ventured around the paddock, he spotted two FIA representatives checking the Red Bull vehicle while mechanic Ole Schack demonstrated how the so-called ‘bib device’ works.
Kravitz said: “It’s amazing what you see when you stay around the pit lane for a bit. This is the Red Bull number one mechanic Ole Schack demonstrating to two FIA scrutineers exactly how they do it.
“I never thought that they were actually going to be this open. This is fascinating. I could watch this all day.”
Kravitz’s joy was short-lived, however, as he and his camera were quickly blocked by one of Red Bull’s senior mechanics.
The device, which allows the Red Bull car to be more aerodynamic when deployed, has caused controversy, with some suggesting the changes are being made outside of the permitted period between training and qualifying.
Red Bull has claimed the device is not accessible once the car is assembled, but the FIA has yet to find evidence to prove this.
