How Renault F1 Can Make Life Very Miserable for Racing Point

Nikolas Tombazis, who heads the division of single-seater technical matters, revealed that Renault could lodge another protest against Racing Point.

In fact, the French team could protest at every race weekend until the FIA concludes its investigation. This comes as a major headache for Racing Point who could set to lose a lot if the FIA were to rule against the RP20.

At last week’s Styrian Grand Prix, Renault officially lodged a protest against their arch-rivals. The French team believes that Racing Point’s 2020 car, the RP20, isn’t legal.

Will Renault protest again?

Renault believes Racing Point is in breach of regulations over ‘listed parts’ in the sporting regulations.

Racing Point is confident of their ‘pink Mercedes’ being legal and aren’t too worried about the outcome of the protests. It’s no secret that Racing Point was “inspired” by the W10 whilst designing the RP20.

However, the brake duct on the car is what Renault claims to be illegal.

The FIA is unlikely to resolve the issue by the end of the month. Tombazis estimates a verdict on the protest as early as August.

However, until the FIA concludes its investigation, Renault has the right to protest at every single Grand Prix.

“They have the right to protest other grands prix until this matter’s adjudicated, and Racing Point have the right to run with these components or other components,” said Tombazis as quoted by Autosport.

“Depending on whether they feel confident about winning the case or not, and if ultimately, Renault decides to protest every single race, they have the right to do that. And Racing Point would have that risk to take.

“It’s Renault’s decision, it is certainly not our decision or our desire or anybody’s. But I think it is likely we’re going to see protests perhaps until this matter’s adjudicated.

“Theoretically, their decision is going to be the final one. So we’re talking towards late August, that we could have a final decision in this matter if teams decide to go to the ultimate extent of appealing.”

Racing Point’s impressive form resulted in the team being firmly ahead of the midfield. With last year’s Championship winning car, can Racing Point challenge the top 3?