Racing Point fined and docked points for using illegal parts.... whoops!
I think it's more subtle. There's a list of components that can be bought in, engines, gearboxes etc. Rear brake ducts were on that list last year, but not this. RP took last years Mercedes rear ducts, legitimately acquired, and derived this year's design from them. So it's an FIA grey area. Would the conclusion have been different if RP had actually used 2019 Mercedes supplied components in this area last year? Which would have been explicitly legal.Interestingly this was for the rear brake ducts only. The fronts they used last year and are therefore OK, the rears are last years design but were not used last year but are on the car this year. What sympathy I had for RP evaporated with that knowledge. There was no way that was ever going to pass.
I think it's more subtle. There's a list of components that can be bought in, engines, gearboxes etc. Rear brake ducts were on that list last year, but not this. RP took last years Mercedes rear ducts, legitimately acquired, and derived this year's design from them. So it's an FIA grey area. Would the conclusion have been different if RP had actually used 2019 Mercedes supplied components in this area last year? Which would have been explicitly legal.
I think the FIA have made a political decision. RP have made too great a step this year and need to be handicapped somewhat for Renault (and Ferrari?) benefit. The FIA would have found a way.
FWIW I think teams should be able to buy anything from anybody, to consistently win you would still need to innovate and this would close the field up. When the situation stagnates, change the rules again...
Have we done the Tracing Point gag yet?
Not for a day or two so we are overdue, be our guest!
Racing Point? Racing Point? TRACing Point more like!
The penalty for RP differs from no penalty for Ferrari and their engine...though they’ve had to remove the cheats and are now struggling.
Maybe the FIA will respond to the appeal by removing the fine and points deduction! If not, what happens when RP appeal?And ironically have just appealed the Racing Point decision.... sometimes you have to wonder if F1 is just some farce and we are the butt of the jokes.
Lots of interviews with Gordon Murray around as he launches his new car, but this long interview with Chris Harris I especially enjoyed as he talks a lot about his life and career. Lots of F1 history and he seems like a really nice bloke.
The upshot of that was that he was in love with himself and his criticism consisted of pointing out the ways the subject cars were different from, and therefore worse than, the McLaren F1.
Lots of interviews with Gordon Murray around as he launches his new car, but this long interview with Chris Harris I especially enjoyed as he talks a lot about his life and career. Lots of F1 history and he seems like a really nice bloke.
A bit like forum members who always point out the perceived shortcomings in others?
Let’s face it, the F1 was an incredible car, and every other supercar at the time was made to look a bit heavy, weak, ugly, underpowered...
It’s still a crowning achievement nearly 30 years on.