Racing Point and Ferrari have confirmed they will continue their appeals into the legality of the so-called ‘Pink Mercedes’.
Last month, Racing Point were docked 15 Constructors’ points and fined 400k Euros after the stewards declared the rear brake ducts on their 2020 car breached the regulations on listed parts as they had been designed and developed initially by Mercedes.
Initially, five teams submitted an intent to appeal but two, McLaren and Williams, pulled out, while Renault initially went ahead but withdrew last week.
However, maintaining they did nothing wrong, Racing Point has reaffirmed their pursuit of having that punishment overturned.
“We are definitely continuing,” CEO Otmar Szafnauer said.
“It does show that with new rules coming in next year that the rules weren’t clear, and as you know, Formula 1 is all about exploiting the rules to the edge.
“That’s what we did, and we believe we were within the rules, so we’re continuing.”
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It was reported that Ferrari’s reason for their appeal was unhappiness over a regulation that allows teams like Racing Point to receive essentially free upgrades next year from 2019-spec non-listed parts to 2020-spec.
However, commenting on the case, team boss Mattia Binotto suggested otherwise.
“It never happened, if I look at the past years, that a team almost copied the entire car,” he declared.
“So for the future, I think it’s important to know what’s possible or not. It’s not good for the sport itself, for the fans of the competition.”
The outcome of the appeal may have significant ramifications for next season, however, with Red Bull boss Christian Horner saying this last weekend.
“From a Red Bull perspective, it [the appeal result] is just important for us because we just want to know what is allowed and what isn’t,” he said.
“Red Bull uniquely owns 100% of two teams. There’s not another two teams in that situation.
“So of course if the Racing Point model is allowed, we will go that route and turn up with four identical-looking cars next year.”
Currently, however, the FIA is working on regulations aimed at restricting the ability of teams to ‘clone’ other cars and Horner believes Renault’s decision to withdraw its appeal is a positive sign in that push.
“I’m sure that Renault must have confidence that will be dealt with in the forthcoming presentation of regulations for 2021 onwards. Otherwise, I can’t believe that they would have withdrawn that appeal,” he claimed.
“I haven’t had any discussions with Renault to understand their rationale behind withdrawing, but one can only assume that they must have that confidence that this issue is going to be fully addressed.”