Stewards set to rule on Haas/Force India protest on Saturday

The FIA stewards have completed a hearing in Abu Dhabi following Haas' protest of both Force India Formula 1 cars, but do not anticipate delivering a verdict until just before the final practice session on Saturday afternoon.

Haas launched a protest against both Force India cars on Friday in Abu Dhabi, which was understood to be based on whether the team had breached the F1 sporting regulations regarding the intellectual property of its car design.

Force India re-entered the F1 constructors' championship as a new entry at the Belgian Grand Prix following its exit from administration, with 'Racing Point Force India' taking the place of 'Sahara Force India' - the entity that built the VJM11 cars - on the grid.

The stewards had been due to meet with both Haas and Force India on Friday morning, but postponed the hearing until 1540 local time between FP1 and FP2.

In a statement issued by the stewards, they confirmed "a substantial amount of written evidence was submitted and each party made extensive verbal representation."

"The Stewards are deliberating on the matter," the bulletin added.

"It is anticipated that a decision will not be handed down any earlier that just prior to Free Practice 3."

Force India team principal Otmar Szafnauer said earlier today he was surprised by the Haas protest, but expressed his confidence that the stewards would make an "informed decision."

Haas has refused to comment on the matter.