Renault has formally lodged a protest against the legality of Racing Point’s RP20 following the conclusion of Formula 1’s Styrian Grand Prix.
Racing Point’s RP20 has captured the attention this season through its similarities to Mercedes’ title-winning W10 from 2019.
Racing Point’s senior hierarchy confirmed that they had used the design of last year’s Mercedes as inspiration and have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, taking 22 points.
The team has repeatedly stressed that its approach is not in contravention of the regulations.
Sergio Perez finished sixth at the Stryian Grand Prix, having challenged Alexander Albon for fourth before sustaining front wing damage, while Lance Stroll was seventh.
Renault has protested Racing Point over an alleged breach of Article 2.1 and 3.2 of the Sporting Regulations, as well as Appendix 6 Paragraph 1, 2(a) and 2(c) of those regulations.
Article 2.1 states that “All drivers, competitors and officials participating in the Championship undertake, on behalf of themselves, their employees, agents and suppliers, to observe all the provisions as supplemented or amended of the International Sporting Code (the Code), the Formula One Technical Regulations (the Technical Regulations) and the present Sporting Regulations together referred to as “the Regulations”.
Article 3.2 states that ”Competitors must ensure that their cars comply with the conditions of eligibility and safety throughout practice and the race.”
Appendix 6 Paragraph 1 outlines that “a competitor shall, in respect of the Listed Parts to be used in its cars in Formula One, only use Listed Parts which are designed by it.
“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 (including an Associate of such competitor) provided that:
a) It retains the exclusive right to use the Listed Parts in Formula One so long as it competes in Formula One
c) In the case of the Outsourcing of design, such third party shall not be a competitor or a party that directly or indirectly designs Listed Parts for any competitor.”
As a result Racing Point has been summoned to the Styrian Grand Prix stewards this evening.
The two teams have recent history, with Racing Point having protested Renault’s braking system in Japan last year, which led to the exclusion of the French manufacturer from the results of that race.
ahhh the pettiness. maybe renault should focus on getting their two cars past the post first. how is rp breaking these rules and if so how does haas even exist ? from the outside it sucks when teams that can’t face the challenge to better themselves take the easy route and try to knock those who do better. and yeah i know theyve all been at it at some point. i just think it sucks. want to beat mercedes or whomever whenever ? do a better job.
F1 teams have copied each other’s stuff since the beginning. If something works well, it will likely be copied or declared illegal. Racing Point has gone a little farther than most, but I understand that FIA reviewed all their engineering documentation and were satisfied.