The World Motor Sport Council has defended the governing body’s handling of the Ferrari engine case, and has made clear its opposition to the statement issued by seven Formula 1 teams.
The FIA investigated Ferrari’s power unit – following concerns raised by rivals – through the 2019/20 winter period, and announced last week that a private settlement had been reached.
This provoked anger from seven of the 10 Formula 1 teams – all of those not powered by Ferrari – who released a joint statement on Wednesday.
In that statement they admitted “shock and surprise” at the FIA’s statement and suggested that legal action could be taken without further information.
The FIA then responded on Thursday, admitting it had doubts over the legality of Ferrari’s power unit, but opted to reach a confidential settlement.
It pointed to its Judiciary and Disciplinary Rules, which permit a prosecuting body to reach a private settlement with any accused party.
The World Motor Sport Council met on Friday and strongly backed the process that had been undertaken.
“The Council expressed unanimous support for the FIA President and the FIA Technical Department in regard to the overall management of the case,” read a statement.
“And strongly opposed any comments that undermine the reputation and image of the FIA and the Formula One World Championship.”
