Toto Wolff Weighs in on Why Renault Are Actually Protesting Against Racing Point F1

Racing Point have been fairly open in admitting that they have, for lack of a better word, ‘copied’ Mercedes F1’s last car. While most other teams have found that as a bitter pill to swallow, Renault, in particular, almost seems to have a grudge against them.

The French team claims that Racing Point are using brake-ducts that have been designed by Mercedes, which goes against the rule that states teams should develop their own parts.

As a result, Renault has registered 3 complaints to the FIA since the season began. Racing Point obviously refutes these claims. However, a ruling by the FIA hasn’t been made as yet but is expected in due time.

While Renault’s basis for the protest is the flouting of rules, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff feels that the main reason behind the French team’s displeasure is something else.

Speaking to Sport.oe24.com, Wolff said (translated by Google), “I can understand that someone is protesting to clarify something. Renault says they’re about the principle – but in truth, they are against the grain that Racing Point has so many points.”

Mercedes boss doesn’t expect things to cool down between Racing Point and Renault after the FIA ruling

According to Wolff, he expects the loser of the ruling to take the battle to court. He said, “Whoever loses the protest will object. Then the whole thing goes to court, and then it is clarified. Then the scraps fly.”

Wolff also had a solid reply to give to Renault, who claim that Racing Point are basically using repainted Mercedes cars.

Wolff said, “It’s about the fundamental question: Do we want to allow customer teams? Large teams earn good money and the small ones perform better, a real win-win situation. You need alliances for that and Renault slept through them.”

Whatever the end result of these protests may be, Wolff is unlikely to lose any sleep over it. By the looks of it Mercedes are cruising to another championship win, currently sitting atop the standings with 146 points.

It seems highly unlikely for anyone to overthrow them.

With the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix coming up this weekend, the Brackley-based outfit will aim to make it a memorable one with a 1-2 finish, something they missed out on during the last race.

They’ll be hoping that tire punctures don’t interfere this time around.

SOURCE- Sport.oe24.com