Red Bull break silence on FIA 'talks' after being forced into United States GP change

have released a statement confirming the existence of a cockpit device used to adjust the ride height of the RB20 between sessions in Parc Ferme following an regulation change in Texas.

On Wednesday ahead of the United States Grand Prix, reports surfaced stating that other teams had complained about a part on one team's car. Then, on Thursday, the squad's identity was revealed to be Red Bull.

In a statement released during media day in Austin, the FIA stated: "Any adjustment to the front bib clearance during parc ferme conditions is strictly prohibited by the regulations.

"While we have not received any indication of any team employing such a system, the FIA remains vigilant in our ongoing efforts to enhance the policing of the sport.

"As part of this, we have implemented procedural adjustments to ensure that front bib clearance cannot be easily modified. In some cases, this may involve the application of a seal to provide further assurance of compliance."

Now Red Bull have replied. "Yes, [the device] exists, although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run," a spokesperson told . In the numerous correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up and we have agreed a plan going forward."

This news is an unwanted frustration for Red Bull who are locked into intense title fights with McLaren and Lando Norris respectively heading into the final six races of the campaign.

With his own team under the microscope, Verstappen turned attention to McLaren in Texas, questioning Oscar Piastri's status as a number two driver for the remainder of the campaign. "For me, he's definitely not a [number two driver] and if I was him I would never accept it," he said.

"For me, it's easy to talk, of course, because I've been in Formula One for 10 years and it's Oscar's second season, so it is always harder to put your foot down. But he's just a great F1 driver who doesn't deserve it to give up wins and positions and play second fiddle because he's asked to."