Ferrari “fully convinced” Racing Point wrong in F1’s copying saga

Ferrari remains “fully convinced” that Racing Point is in the wrong over Formula 1’s ‘copying’ saga but indicated it will withdraw its appeal if the FIA provides clarity over future regulations.

Racing Point were handed a 15-point deduction and €400,000 fine after being found to have used a rear brake duct design copied from the 2019 Mercedes on this year’s controversial RP20 car.

Ferrari has subsequently appealed the stewards’ ruling over the decision, as have Racing Point themselves in a bid to clear its name.

The FIA has said it will introduce new rules for the 2021 F1 season to prevent teams from blatantly copying rivals’ designs, but Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto wants more clarity over the matter.

“We have confirmed our protest so we have appealed the decision of the stewards of the past races,” said Binotto during Friday’s FIA press conference ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

“The reason is that we are fully convinced that what Racing Point did this season is not right. We believe that it is against the principle of our sport, and we believe that it cannot happen in the future.

“In that respect we are asking and seeking clarity from the FIA. If let me say regulations will be put in place, or a technical directive for the future in 2021 where we are pretty sure it will not be possible to copy, we are ready to withdraw our appeal.”

Binotto said that he would have protested Racing Point if he was in charge of Mercedes.

“Looking at competitors, trying to understand what they do, trying to study their car, has been part of F1 history,” he added. “I do not see anything bad in that.

“I think to copy an entire design, that’s a different experience, because that’s IP [intellectual property].

“If I would have been Mercedes, I would have protested someone copying myself. So I think taking pictures has always been done, I do not see anything wrong in the fact itself.”