Red Bull mechanic attempts to block TV camera as Kravitz spots something amazing

One senior mechanic attempted to block the Sky Sports cameras from peeping into the Red Bull garage while an inspection was being carried out by the FIA.

It comes amid controversy over a ride height device on the RB20, with the Austrian constructor having already agreed to make changes to their car.

The device allows them to drop the ‘front bib’ on the Red Bull car, meaning it can get closer to the floor and therefore be more aerodynamic.

But any alterations can only be done in a specific time window, with garages only able to change the front wing angle between practice and qualifying, meaning Red Bull have to find a ride height balance for both Saturday and Sunday.

Red Bull insist the device isn’t accessible when the car is fully assembled and the FIA say there’s no evidence the reigning Constructors’ Championship winners haven’t been altering the height.

However, during one of his usual snoops around the paddock, Ted Kravitz spotted two FIA representatives performing a check on the Red Bull motor shortly after Friday’s opening practice session in Texas.

Red Bull mechanic Ole Schack was seen demonstrating how the controversial device worked – something he was keen to stop the Sky Sports cameras from seeing.

Talking into his microphone, 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.”

But the fun didn’t last long, with Kravitz adding: “I think we’re just getting one of the senior mechanics at Red Bull just coming in to block our cameras. I still can’t quite believe we’re actually watching it being demonstrated.”

McLaren have been the biggest dissenting voice against Red Bull during the device storm, with boss Zak Brown claiming their excuses ‘don’t stack up’.

Speaking to Sky Sports during the United States Grand Prix weekend, Brown commented: “Well, why would you design it to be inside the car when [with] the nine other teams, it is designed to be outside the car?”

“And therefore, the rules… there are… you know, ingenuity is part of Formula One, and then there are black-and-white rules.

“You cannot touch your race car, other than things like driver comfort… they chose their words very carefully saying ‘When the car is fully assembled’, but you’re allowed to not have the car fully assembled in Parc Ferme and when you’re working on driver comfort.”

He added: “Also, what doesn’t quite stack up is the comment that you can’t modify it. Then why does the FIA feel that they need to put a seal on it? If it’s not accessible post or during Parc Ferme then why put a seal on it? So I’m very happy to see [that] the FIA is on it – I think it needs to be a very thorough investigation.”