FIA court confirms Haas exclusion from Italian GP

40

The Haas F1 Team failed to win its appeal against the Italian Grand Prix stewards' decision to exclude Romain Grosjean from the results of last September's race.

The French driver had finished sixth at Monza but was subsequently disqualified following a protest to the stewards lodged by the rival Renault squad.

The bone of contention, as Renault saw it, was related to the legality of the front edge of the floor on Grosjean's VF-18, which stipulated the need for a 50mm radius.

Haas recruits F2 racer Deletraz for Abu Dhabi test

After the Monza race, the Haas floor was found not to comply with Article 3.7.1.d of the sport's technical regulations.

On Friday morning in Paris, after hearing from representatives and witnesses for Haas, Renault and the FIA, the International Court of Appeal upheld the stewards’ decision to disqualify Haas F1 Team from the race.

"Haas’s car was in clear breach of the Technical Regulations and was sanctioned by the stewards appropriately," said Renault.

"Technical Regulations - especially those introduced for safety reasons - must be observed strictly," added chassis technical director Nick Chester.

"We are satisfied with the decision and I would like to thank the court and the FIA for their work on this matter. The team is now focused on the end of the season."

The FIA's decision preserves Renault's 30-point advantage over Haas in the Constructors' standings, with the French outfit currently sitting fourth and 'best of the rest' among the teams.

"Obviously we are disappointed not to have won our appeal," commented Haas team boss Guenther Steiner.

"We simply move forward and look to the final two races of the year to continue to fight on track, earn more points, and conclude our strongest season to-date in Formula 1."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.