Renault lodge protest against Racing Point after F1 Styrian GP

Renault has lodged a protest against Formula 1 rival Racing Point following the Styrian Grand Prix.

The French manufacturer has launched a protest against both Racing Point cars after being outperformed by the Silverstone-based outfit in Sunday’s grand prix.

Racing Point representatives have been summoned to appear before the stewards at 7.20pm local time (6.20pm BST).

Renault’s protest cited an “alleged breach of Art. 2.1, 3.2, Appendix 6 Paragraph 1, 2(a) and 2(c) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations 2020 during the race”.

Racing Point’s Mercedes-inspired RP20 design has been the subject of much debate and controversy among its rivals since it debuted in pre-season testing in Barcelona.

Article 2.1 states that all F1 participants must comply with the International Sporting Code, the F1 technical regulations and the sporting regulations, while Article 3.2 says “competitors must ensure that their cars comply with the conditions of eligibility and safety”.

Appendix 6 states that: "A competitor shall, in respect of the Listed Parts to be used in its cars in Formula One, only use Listed Parts which are designed by it.

"The obligation to design and use Listed Parts shall not prevent a competitor from Outsourcing the design and/or manufacture of any Listed Parts to a third party (including an Associate of such competitor) provided that:

"It retains the exclusive right to use the Listed Parts in Formula One so long as it competes in Formula 1.

"In the case of the Outsourcing of design, such third party shall not be a competitor or a party that directly or indirectly designs Listed Parts for any competitor."

Sergio Perez recovered from 17th on the grid to claim a remarkable sixth-place finish, ahead of teammate Lance Stroll.

Stroll briefly pushed Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo off the track with a forceful last-lap lunge at Turn 3 but avoided a penalty for the incident.

Ricciardo vented his frustration at what he labelled a “desperate” move by Stroll and felt the Racing Point driver should have faced punishment.

Ricciardo's teammate Esteban Ocon retired after 25 laps due to an overheating problem.

Racing Point currently sits fourth in the constructors’ championship on 22 points, 14 clear of sixth-placed Renault.