Renault have lost their double points result from the Japanese Grand Prix after the FIA deemed their brake systems to be illegal.
After the race at Suzuka, Racing Point protested the French manufacturer, reportedly giving the stewards a 12-page document alleging what they believed to an automatic brake bias system.
The ECU and steering wheels from both cars were then impounded by the governing body to conduct an investigation after they deemed Racing Point’s case to be valid.
And on Wednesday in Mexico, the FIA ruled against Renault disqualifying both Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg from the final results in Japan.
In their conclusion, the stewards didn’t agree with Racing Point’s argument that the brake bias system was pre-set based on the number of laps to automatically adjust.
However: “The brake balance adjustment system in questions acts as a driver aid, by saving the driver from having to make a number of adjustments during a lap,” the statement read.
“The stewards note that there is a clear distinction between this system and one which provides actual feedback control, which would be a substitute for driver skills or reflexes. Nevertheless, it is still an aid and, therefore, contravenes [the regulations].”
The lost points mean Renault now sit only six ahead of Toro Rosso in fifth in the Constructors’ standings with Pierre Gasly inheriting seventh and Daniil Kvyat 10th.
Racing Point also gains with Sergio Perez moving up to eighth and Lance Stroll to ninth, meaning they are only 10 points behind Renault in seventh.
As for McLaren, P4 is now safer than ever with a 43-point gap over Renault with four races to go, including this weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.