Racing Point legality: The three teams involved – Racing Point, Renault, and Mercedes – have been summoned by the FIA stewards.
The hearing for the Racing Point ‘Pink Mercedes’ legality will begin today at Silverstone. This after Renault has twice protested against the use of brake ducts by Racing Point, which Renault claims has been bought from Mercedes.
Racing Point, on their part, have denied any wrongdoing. They maintain their stance that they made their car RP20 taking ‘inspiration’ from pictures of Mercedes’ 2019 car. Racing Point had this to say in a statement in response to Renault’s protest.
“Prior to the start of the season, the team co-operated with the FIA and satisfactorily addressed all questions regarding the origins of the designs of the RP20.”
But recent reports are suggesting that Racing Point bought the brake ducts from Mercedes in 2019. The year is significant here as brake ducts were not a ‘listed part’ last season. In 2020, it is, which means all the teams need to make their brake ducts themselves, and not buy it.
While there is a small point of contention there about ‘being inspired’ from Mercedes, that Racing Point are currently banking on. They have responded that yes, they have been inspired by Mercedes’ brake ducts, but haven’t copied them exactly.
FIA Boss speaks out on Racing Point legality issue
FIA president Jean Todt, who previously has worked with Ferrari, stressed on the importance of integrity in Formula 1. He stressed on the point that all the teams need to make their own cars. However, at the same team, he admitted that ‘copying’ has been in F1 ‘historically’.
He has expressed his hope that the correct judgement will come through and that hopefully everyone can move on from this.
“That has always been the essence of Formula 1 that teams have to make their own car.”
“But historically in Formula 1, you have photographers taking photos, and you find some similarity between one car and another.
“It’s part of the history of Formula 1.”
“But getting more specific, firstly, I don’t have the competence to judge. But I’m very optimistic that the people who are going to judge have the competence to make the right judgement.”
Racing Point will be praying that they can put all of this behind them and move on with the season, because if this is not ruled in their favour, it could derail their season and future plans.
