Racing Point hits back at Renault’s ‘poorly informed’ F1 protest

The Racing Point Formula 1 team has called Renault’s Styrian Grand Prix protest “misconceived and poorly informed”, and has denied suggestions of any wrongdoing.

After Sunday’s race at the Red Bull Ring, Renault lodged a formal protest against both Racing Point cars, alleging that its brake ducts breached the rules that require a team to design certain parts themselves.

Racing Point’s RP20 challenger has caused a stir among its rivals ever since it debuted during pre-season testing in Barcelona for its close resemblance to Mercedes’ W10 car.

The Silverstone-based outfit has been open that its design has taken inspiration from Mercedes’ 2019 title-winning machine, but has always insisted it carried out its version by legal means.

On Sunday night FIA stewards ruled Renault’s protest as “admissible” and the matter will now be investigated further, with Mercedes ordered to provide evidence.

“BWT Racing Point F1 Team is extremely disappointed to see its results in the Styrian Grand Prix questioned by what it considers to be a misconceived and poorly informed protest,” a Racing Point statement read.

"Any and all suggestion of wrongdoing is firmly rejected and the team will take all steps necessary to ensure the correct application of the regulations to the facts.

“Prior to the start of the season, the team co-operated fully with the FIA and satisfactorily addressed all questions regarding the origins of the design of the RP20.

“The team is confident that the protest will be dismissed once it has presented its response.”

Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll finished sixth and seventh respectively in the Styrian Grand Prix, ahead of both Renaults.

Racing Point has enjoyed a strong start to the delayed 2020 season and currently sits fourth in the constructors’ championship on 22 points.