Racing Point believes the ongoing controversy surrounding their 2020 car is solely because of its competitiveness.
Earlier this month, the Silverstone-based team was docked 15 Constructors’ points and fined 400k Euros after the FIA stewards deemed the rear brake ducts breached the regulations on listed parts, as they had been predominantly designed and developed by Mercedes.
However, with the entire RP20 essentially an attempt to copy last year’s W10 through photos and other data provided by the German manufacturer, it has launched a much broader debate on whether such a philosophy should be allowed in Formula 1.
“That’s all such a political thing that the team is dealing with it,” Sergio Perez said on the issue via Autosport.
“You can see it’s taking some energy from the people because it’s a lot of things that you have to manage.
“In a way, it also takes away a bit of credit that should have been given to our factory people, everyone who has been involved.
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“I remember last year that there was a bit of uncertainty whether we change the whole approach with the car, the concept of the car, and there were a lot of question marks.
“The decision was taken as a big risk.”
But that risk has paid off, with Racing Point emerging as the third-fastest team at most races so far in 2020, and that is why, teammate Lance Stroll believes, their rivals are so vocal.
“I think if we were running around in 14th and 15th, no-one would be protesting,” the Canadian stated.
“I don’t think it’s much of a distraction. I have a job to do. That’s management side of things, and that’s a very political matter.
“My focus is on driving and the rest is background noise.”
Currently, the case is heading for the International Court of Appeal with Ferrari and Renault seeking a bigger punishment, while Racing Point wants their original points deduction and fine overturned.
