Ferrari, McLaren and Renault to appeal FIA's Racing Point ruling

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Ferrari, McLaren and Renault have signaled their intention to appeal the FIA stewards' verdict in the case involving the design of Racing Point's brake ducts.

The Silverstone-based outfit was found guilty following a protest by midfield rival Renault of breaching the technical rules regarding the design of the brake ducts of its 2020 car, a copycat of Mercedes 2019 W10.

Racing Point was fined €400,000 and docked 15 points from its Constructors' championship tally, but the team is allowed to continue using the brake ducts for the remainder of the season.

"We can confirm that we have just stated our intention to appeal against this morning's FIA Stewards' decision regarding Racing Point," a Ferrari spokesperson said, while McLaren confirmed on Friday evening that it would also lodge an appeal on Saturday morning.

Racing Point both 'bewildered' and pleased by FIA decision

Ferrari and its rivals appealing the FIA's judgement feel the punishment levied upon Racing Point is not "sufficient" as the entire 'copy' concept of Racing Point's RP20 should have been called into question.

"We really argue the entire process and the entire concept," said Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto.

"We believe the regulations are clear enough. We believe that what there may be a breach of regulation, and there is a process.

"But at the moment, I think looking ahead and looking forward, it’s something that we need to clarify.

"I don’t think that the verdict of today is sufficient, because again it’s only relative eventually to the brake ducts, but not the entire concept.

"As Zak [Brown] said, I think it’s only the tip of the iceberg, but there is much to discuss further."

It's currently unclear if other teams will join Ferrari, McLaren and Renault in filing an appeal in the next 24 hours.

Finally, on the opposite side of the legal bench, Racing Point itself is contemplating an appeal of the FIA's decision.

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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.