Renault F1 team will not appeal Japanese GP DSQ

The Renault Formula 1 team has opted against appealing its disqualification from the Japanese Grand Prix after being unable to provide fresh evidence.

Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg were thrown out of the Japanese GP result after their cars were found to be have been running with an illegal driver aid relating to the brake bias system.

A post-race protest from midfield rivals Racing Point prompted the investigation, with the FIA announcing its decision to exclude the Renault pair from the final classification at Suzuka.

Renault has subsequently lost the nine points scored by Ricciardo (sixth) and Hulkenberg (10th) in Japan, meaning it has fallen 43 points adrift of McLaren in the battle to claim fourth spot in the constructors’ championship.

In a statement released ahead of this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, Renault confirmed it would not be taking any further action on the matter.

“We regret the Stewards’ decision and, in particular, the severity of the sanction applied,” the statement read.

“In our opinion, the penalty is not proportionate to any benefit the drivers derived, especially when used within the context of a system confirmed fully legal and innovative.

“It is also inconsistent with previous sanctions for similar breaches, as acknowledged by the Stewards in their decision, but expressed without further argumentation.

“However, since we have no new evidence to bring other than that already produced to demonstrate the legality of our system, we 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.

“We have therefore decided not to appeal the Stewards’ decision,” it added. “Formula 1 will always be an arena for the relentless search for the slightest possible opportunities for competitive advantage.

“It is what we have always done and will continue to do, albeit with stronger internal processes before innovative solutions are brought on track.”

Sixth-placed Toro Rosso is now just six points behind the French squad, while Racing Point are 10 points adrift with four races and 104 points remaining up for grabs.