Renault’s protest against the legality of Racing Point’s 2020 Formula 1 car has been deemed admissible, with stewards impounding parts from the RP20, and requesting components from last year’s Mercedes.
Racing Point’s RP20 captured the attention for its similarity to last year’s title-winning Mercedes W10, with several competitors dubbing it the ‘pink Mercedes’.
Racing Point confirmed that it took inspiration from the design of last year’s Mercedes though has repeatedly stressed that its RP20 complies with all regulations.
Renault lodged a protest after Formula 1’s Styrian Grand Prix, alleging that its RP20 contravened the Sporting Regulations, with regards to legality and listed parts.
Stewards summoned representatives from Renault and Racing Point, as well as from the FIA’s Technical Department, and their report revealed that the specific components protested were the front and rear brake ducts.
The relevant components from the cars of Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll have now been sealed and impounded in order that the FIA’s Technical Department can conduct a detailed analysis.
A detailed report will now be carried out and presented to the stewards to include an “assessment that matches those findings against the alleged infringements outlined in the protest.”
The stewards have authorised the FIA to call upon outside technical assistance which includes Mercedes.
The reigning World Champions have been ordered to provide the front and rear brake air ducts from its W10 for examination.
The FIA’s Technical Department representative will communicate to the stewards when the next hearing will take place, where the claims will be assessed.
Racing Point holds fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, on 22 points, while Renault is sixth, on eight points.
The results of the Styrian Grand Prix have now been made official but remain subject to the outcome of the protest.
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