Renault F1 Team has decided against appealing the decision of disqualifying both Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg from Japanese GP.
The FIA announced the disqualification of both the Renault cars of Ricciardo and Hulkenberg from the F1 Japanese after a protest made by Racing Point regarding ‘pre-set lap distance-dependent brake bias adjustment system’.
As per the findings and presentations by both Renault and Racing Point, the panel deemed the French manufacturer’s device as innovation and not in violation of the set regulations as alleged by its rival F1 team. It deemed the brake-bias system as legal.
However, the FIA noted that the system did not comply with Article 27.1 of FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, which relates to driver aids. The panel felt that the drivers gained through not adjusting the brake balance during the lap.
They agreed that penalty was harsh but added that the offence when compared to others, warranted the action. It also gave them extended time to decide if they wish to appeal against the decision or not, which was 10:00 local time of Mexico City.
After deliberations, Renault has decided against appealing as they feel they have nothing more to add to what they presented in the hearing in Geneva. “We regret the Stewards’ decision and, in particular, the severity of the sanction applied.
“In our opinion, the penalty is not proportionate to any benefit the drivers derived, especially when used within the context of a system confirmed fully legal and innovative. It is also inconsistent with previous sanctions for similar breaches, as acknowledged by the Stewards in their decision, but expressed without further argumentation.
“However, since we have no new evidence to bring other than that already produced to demonstrate the legality of our system, we do not wish to invest further time and effort in a sterile debate in front of the International Court of Appeal concerning the subjective appreciation, and therefore sanction, related to an aid that reduces the driver workload without enhancing the performance of the car.
“We have therefore decided not to appeal the Stewards’ decision. Formula One will always be an arena for the relentless search for the slightest possible opportunities for competitive advantage. It is what we have always done and will continue to do, albeit with stronger internal processes before innovative solutions are brought on track,” the statement from Renault stated.
The revised result has Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in sixth with Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly seventh, Racing Point’s Sergio Perez eighth with teammate Lance Stroll moving to ninth and the Top 10 rounded out by Toro Rosso’s Daniil Kvyat.
More to come
Here’s the FIA’s verdict in detail