Temporary driver Nico Hulkenberg at Racing Point during the race in Silverstone
Photo:Ben Stansall / AP
With its verdict for the Racing Point racing team, the world motor sport association Fia did not provide the hoped-for clarity in the copy-dispute of Formula 1 and will now have to deal with the issue in more detail. The matter is now officially before the Fia. Ferrari, Renault and Racing Point themselves confirmed their objection to the original judgment in due time. The competition seems too lax, Racing Point, however, sees itself wrongly punished.
A few weeks should now pass before the decision is made. The point of contention remains Racing Point's current car. In terms of sheer speed, it is one of the fastest in the field - and apart from the pink paintwork it looks very similar to the 2019 world champion Mercedes.
In essence, Racing Point is said to have copied the front and rear brake ventilation from Mercedes without permission. The Fia confirmed this in principle in its first judgment last week, imposed a fine of 400,000 euros and the deduction of 15 championship points in the constructors' championship. The problem for the competition: Racing Point can still use the racing car in the same form and will probably score numerous championship points with it this year.
Racing Point, however, is not aware of any guilt. That probably has to do with the fact that you have moved pretty cleverly in the gray area. In Formula 1 there are so-called "listed parts" that each team has to design themselves. The brake ventilation has only been part of it since January 2020, but of course the current bolide was designed in 2019.
The balance of power in the current season is now one thing, Racing Points competitors feel disadvantaged. After all - in a season with no audience income and an extremely long break from racing - it's about the ranking in the manufacturers' championship and thus millions at the end of the year. The role of Mercedes may also be examined in more detail in the appeal hearing. After the Fia judgment, experts questioned why the manufacturers of the original - who work closely with Racing Point - are not prosecuted in the case.
How much knowledge transfer is allowed?
In general, a fundamental question will have to be clarified in the appointment negotiation: It is not just about brake ventilation, but a philosophy: what is allowed and what is not, says Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. Fundamental decisions about knowledge transfer in Formula 1 are particularly interesting for the team of Silverstone winner Max Verstappen, because Red Bull has a second team with AlphaTauri that could benefit greatly from this.
If Racing Point sets a precedent, then not only Red Bull will be able to recycle cost-effectively in the future. That would be cheap, but in many respects there would no longer be any real competition between the designers. Not only the Renault works team would like a "clear set of rules that ensure that all teams develop their own aerodynamics concept for 2021".
Icon: The mirrorkrä / sid