Renault has confirmed that it has requested a withdrawal of its appeal against the stewards’ decision with regard to Racing Point’s brake ducts.
Renault instigated a protest against the legality of Racing Point’s brake ducts following grands prix in Styria, Hungary and Britain.
After a lengthy investigation by the FIA it was deemed that Racing Point’s RP20 was legal as per the Technical Regulations but that the team had been in breach of the Sporting Regulations, as brake ducts became Listed Parts for 2020.
As a consequence Racing Point was docked 15 points, fined €400,000 and issued team reprimands, but was allowed to keep the brake ducts on the RP20.
Five teams notified their intention to appeal the verdict but only three – Ferrari, Renault and Racing Point itself – followed through with the official appeal process.
Ferrari and Renault stressed that they wanted clarity on the situation while Racing Point has vowed to clear its name as team owner Lawrence Stroll issued a strongly worded and somewhat emotional statement on the matter.
But on Tuesday Renault announced that it has requested for its appeal to be withdrawn.
“Beyond the decisions, the matters at issue were vital to the integrity of Formula 1, both during the current season and in the future,” read a statement.
“However, intensive and constructive work between the FIA, Renault and all Formula 1 stakeholders has led to concrete progress in safeguarding the originality in the sport by way of amendments to the Sporting and Technical Regulations planned for the 2021 racing season, confirming the requirements to qualify as a Constructor.
“Reaching this strategic objective, in the context of the new Concorde Agreement, was our priority.
“The controversy of the start of this season should be put behind us, as we need to focus on the remainder of an intense and unique championship.”
If the FIA agrees to Renault’s request, it will mean that only Ferrari and Racing Point will proceed with their official appeals against the decision to fine them and dock the team points.
Discussion about this post