The FIA has retroactively disqualified Renault from the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix after an investigation found irregularities in the team's braking system, which acted as a driver aid.
The investigation was launched after rival team Racing Point filed a complaint.
The system discovered automatically changed the brake bias, although it was “not preset, lap distance dependent as alleged,” but it still contravened the regulation that stipulates drivers must drive the car alone and unaided.
Driver Daniel Ricciardo finished sixth and Nico Hulkenberg was 10th. Both were disqualified and lost their points.
The FIA described Renault’s attempt to circumvent the regulations as “innovative solutions to exploit certain ambiguities in the Technical Regulations.”
Following the decision, Renault released a statement saying, “Renault F1 Team acknowledges the decision of the Stewards of the Japanese Grand Prix regarding the protest by SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team concerning the legality of Renault F1 Team’s braking system during the Japanese Grand Prix.
“Despite the FIA concurring with Renault that the system was entirely legal under the FIA Technical Regulations, it was judged by the stewards that the system was in breach of the FIA Sporting Regulations regarding driver aid. Both Renault cars were disqualified from the Japanese Grand Prix, and the team loses the nine points scored.
“However, considering the subjectivity of the qualification of a system as a driver aid and the variability of the associated penalties in recent cases, Renault F1 Team will consider its next course of action within the timeframe laid out by the FIA.”
