McLaren withdraws from Racing Point appeal process

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McLaren has decided not to appeal the FIA's verdict in the case involving Racing Point's controversial brake duct design, although appellants Ferrari and Renault will go ahead with the process.

Racing Point was fined €400,000 and docked 15 Constructors' championship points for using on its RP20 car a brake duct design copied from Mercedes' 2019 W10 car.

Four teams - Ferrari, Renault, McLaren and Williams - had initially signaled their intention to appeal the verdict, as they considered the punishment to be too lenient and also questioned the FIA's decision to allow Racing Point to continue to use the controversial element until the end of the season.

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Teams were set to confirm their involvement in the appeal process by tomorrow morning. But while Ferrari and Renault have confirmed their appeal, McLaren has pulled out of the process, and Williams will confirm its position on Wednesday morning.

"McLaren Racing has decided not to appeal the decisions of the FIA Stewards in relation to Renault’s protests of Racing Point," read a statement from the team issued on Tuesday evening.

"The team welcomes the Stewards’ decisions and findings in this case and importantly that the FIA has demonstrated that transgressions of the rules will be investigated and punished.

"Moreover, McLaren Racing is pleased that the FIA will further clarify the sporting and technical regulations to protect Formula 1 as a sport where teams are clearly defined as Constructors, and removes the potential that the Formula 1 World Championship includes cars that are, in effect, copies of other competitors’.

"Taking the above and a broad view of all factors into account, McLaren Racing will not continue with an appeal in this case.

"Additionally, McLaren Racing respects the decisions of Ferrari and Renault to pursue their appeals and will follow proceedings with interest."

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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.