Renault withdraws its complaint against Racing Point over brake ducts
Racing Point was found guilty of copying the brake ducts of the 2019 Mercedes and was penalized 15 points in the 2020 championship. Renault, which had appealed the decision, eventually revised its position after the Concorde Agreements were signed a few days ago by the 10 teams.
A few weeks ago, Renault filed a complaint against Racing Point, accusing them of using brake ducts copied from the 2019 Mercedes. Renault filed a complaint after each race at the beginning of 2020.
Judged by the FIA – Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile at the end of July, Racing Point was fined €400,000 and docked 15 points in the 2020 championship.
At the same time as the sanction, the FIA had decided to legalize the use of brake ducts for the following races so that there could be no more claims. Displeased with this legalization, Renault had appealed, as had Racing Point, who consider their brake ducts as exploiting a loophole in the regulations.
The main issue is related to the interpretation of what constitutes a copied part. Racing Point, Ferrari, and Renault then asked the FIA to provide clarifications on what can or cannot be copied. These clarifications were provided in the Concorde Agreements signed recently in view of the 2021 season.
The 10 teams have agreed and the clarifications provided, Renault no longer sees the need to appeal and has therefore announced via a press release its decision to withdraw the appeal.
« Renault confirms that it has requested to withdraw its appeal concerning the FIA’s decision on Racing Point’s brake ducts. » explains the statement.
« Beyond the decision and judgment, the integrity of F1 was at stake both this season and in the seasons to come. However, constructive and intense work between the FIA, Renault, and all Formula 1 teams helped bring concrete advances to safeguard the originality of the sport by introducing amendments to the 2021 regulations. These amendments allow for better identification of being a constructor. »
The Concorde Agreements now signed, which was our priority, we can put this controversial start of the season behind us and focus on the rest of this intense championship.
The FIA has not yet officially withdrawn the appeal, but this should be done in the next few hours.
