Renault F1 will not bother debating Japanese GP disqualification

After the controversial news of Renault allegedly using illegal driving aids in the Japan GP, the French Formula One team has released a statement. Regarding the decision to disqualify both cars, Renault has said that they will not be contesting or appealing the governing body’s decision.

Per their website, the statement reads that though they regret the stewards’ decision and the severity of the sanction applied, they maintain that the system is fully legal and innovative, as was found by the stewards themselves (sic). This is in reference to the fact found that the system is not “pre-set nor lap distance-dependent”. Given that, it was not something that violated the rules that were in Racing Point’s basis for protesting.

In addition, Renault said that feel that the disqualification of the team in the Japan GP is not consistent with previous sanctions for smaller breaches. But since they have no new evidence to demonstrate the legality of the system, they “do not wish to invest further time and effort in a sterile debate in front of the International Court of Appeal concerning the subjective appreciation, and therefore sanction, related to an aid that reduces the driver workload without enhancing the performance of the car.”

As was previously quoted, “The brake balance adjustment system in questions acts as a driver aid, by saving the driver from having to make a number of adjustments during a lap. The stewards note that there is a clear distinction between this system and one which provides actual feedback control, which would be a substitute for driver skills or reflexes. Nevertheless, it is still an aid and, therefore, contravenes (the regulations).”

Only four races are left in the racing calendar for this season, and this may also be a reason for Renault standing down and accepting Formula One’s decision. That notwithstanding, they will now have a higher hill to climb to keep themselves in the mid-field race for the Constructors’ Championship.