FIA clears Vettel and Red Bull after traction control claims
Formula One's governing body has confirmed Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull RB9 complies with regulations after allegations of illegal traction control surfaced following the Singapore Grand Prix.
Formula One’s technical chief has confirmed Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull RB9 is legal, following allegations the car was using traction control or other banned driver aids during the 2013 Singapore Grand Prix. The FIA’s statement comes after former team boss Giancarlo Minardi publicly questioned the car’s behaviour and engine sound, suggesting Vettel was able to apply power earlier than rivals.
Minardi, who attended the Singapore race, claimed he saw and heard evidence that led him to believe the RB9 was deploying power earlier than other cars, with the Renault engine emitting a tone he associated with traction control. Traction control has been banned in Formula One since 2008, and any such system would be a clear breach of the regulations.
Red Bull’s Helmut Marko dismissed the accusations as unfounded, describing them as “nonsense”. The team has consistently maintained that its car operates fully within the rules. The FIA’s F1 race director Charlie Whiting told the German publication Sport Bild that technical delegate Jo Bauer had found no irregularities with Vettel’s car. “Everything is under our control, and Vettel’s car complies with the regulations,” Whiting said.
Technical scrutiny and paddock reaction
The FIA routinely reviews telemetry and software from all cars, especially when suspicions are raised. In this case, the governing body confirmed that all systems on the RB9 were checked and no evidence of illegal traction control or similar aids was found. Red Bull’s consistent performance in 2013 has drawn attention from rivals, but no formal protest was lodged by other teams following the Singapore race.
While the FIA’s confirmation should settle the matter, speculation about the source of Red Bull’s advantage continues in the paddock. Ferrari and Mercedes are reportedly examining their own systems to ensure competitiveness, but there is no indication of a challenge to the FIA’s findings. For now, Vettel’s march towards a fourth consecutive world title continues without regulatory interruption.
Red Bull’s pitstop innovation under scrutiny
Away from the traction control debate, Red Bull’s pursuit of marginal gains has also drawn attention to its pitstop equipment. German newspaper Bild reported that the team is using a new €100,000 pit jack that automatically lowers the car once all four wheels are secured. The device is said to help shave precious tenths from pitstop times. Rival teams including Ferrari and Mercedes are believed to be developing similar systems, but some in the paddock have argued for a ban, suggesting it could create unnecessary expense for teams.
- FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer found no irregularities in Red Bull RB9 systems.
- No formal protest lodged by rival teams after Singapore.
- Red Bull’s pitstop jack innovation prompts rivals to develop similar equipment.
