Renault F1 Finds Unlikely Allies as More Teams Rally Against Racing Point

The speculation behind the legality involving Racing Point’s cars has attracted a lot of heat. Certain teams in the paddock, specifically Scuderia Ferrari and Renault have joint their in their crusade to take the ‘Pink Mercedes” down.

It is being noticed by everyone in the Formula One industry that Racing Point’s car has many similarities to that of Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One winning car of the 2019 season.

Renault took the matter to the FIA during Styrian Grand Prix. The case focuses upon the design of Racing Point’s brake ducts. Mercedes used some similar parts in their car in the 2019 season.

In this context, Ferrari supports the matter along with Renault and has formally requested FIA & F1 to clarify terms in the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations which are a key aspect of this case.

Ferrari asks FIA & F1 to clarify a key aspect of the regulations regarding Racing Point car

The whole scenario revolves around the fact that the team is using the same designs and models of the part as the Brackley-based outfit did last year.

Appendix six of the regulations states “A competitor shall, in respect of the listed parts to be used in its cars in Formula 1, only use listed parts which are designed by it.”

In addition, it also states, “The obligation to design and use listed parts shall not prevent a competitor from outsourcing the design and/or manufacture of any listed parts to a third party […] provided that […] it retains the exclusive right to use the listed parts in Formula 1 so long as it competes in Formula 1.”

FIA head Nicholas Tombazis, during the Hungarian Grand Prix, opened up about his visit to the Racing Point factory, “We were convinced by what we saw that what Racing Point had been saying as their process, of taking photographs and going to a detailed reverse-engineering from the photos, was very plausible,” said Tombazis.

“I would say even more than that, just look, they showed us how they’ve done everything. They have indeed followed the process which is satisfying for us.”

McLaren has been singing the same song as Ferrari and Renault as well. Team Principal Zak Brown stated, “We support getting to the bottom of the whole Racing Point copying of the Mercedes car.

“We think it is against the spirit of the rules. Because we don’t have details, we’re not in a position to have a view on whether it’s legal or not.

“Because we’re not privy to any inside information. But as advertised, it definitely seems like it’s against what’s intended in Formula 1.” 

A formal hearing by the FIA will be taking place on Wednesday regarding the protest.

SOURCE- RaceFans.net