Mercedes comes to the rescue of Racing Point

This is the battle that has been stirring the paddock for weeks: the compliance of the economic model chosen by Racing Point for the development of its 2020 car. The team claims it developed its RP20 with its own data, while its competitors, led by Renault, believe it has purchased unauthorized parts from Mercedes.

A first response was given last week with the FIA’s decision to deduct 15 points from the Constructors’ Championship and impose a penalty of 400,000 euros on Racing Point. The reason is that the federation indeed believes that the brake ducts in question are an exact copy of those from Mercedes, whereas these are now among the components that are prohibited from being purchased from another competitor.

Except that this response satisfies no one in the paddock. Racing Point believes it is within its rights, and other teams feel the penalty is too lenient since it violates the sporting regulations. During the weekend of the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, Renault, Ferrari, McLaren, and Williams stated that they intended to appeal this decision, demanding a harsher sanction, while the pink team indicated they would do the same but with the opposite objective.

But from intention to reality, there is often a step. Especially when economic interests come into play in the discussion. Thus, Racing Point can count on significant support from Mercedes. Indeed, the engine manufacturer has managed to make its arguments to its clients to prevent them from lending their weight in the appeal. That’s why McLaren, which will move to the Mercedes camp next year, and Williams have announced that they will not appeal after all. Williams stated: “After careful consideration, Williams has chosen not to appeal. We believe that the FIA’s decision to ban car copying from 2021 addresses our main concern and reinforces the role and responsibility of a constructor within this sport, which is fundamental to the DNA of Formula 1 and aligns with Williams’ convictions.”

That’s where one measures how the supply of engines is indeed a significant political weight: if McLaren had remained powered by Renault next year, it would certainly have followed through with its approach, alongside Renault. The French manufacturer can still count on the support of Ferrari, which is facing sporting difficulties this season and thus sees the opportunity to sideline a rival on the track.