Haas drop appeal against Force India decision

Haas will not appeal the FIA's decision to throw out their protest against Force India at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Stewards found that Force India had not flouted regulations surrounding their status as a constructor, but did classify them as a new team – which could have future impacts on their financial standing in Formula 1.

Lawrence Stroll's takeover rescued Force India from administration and potentially folding in the summer break.

Racing Point Force India replaced Sahara Force India on the grid, starting with no constructors' championship points, and Haas' appeal concerned Force India's standing as a constructor, as defined by FIA regulations, as they used parts and cars previously used by the former entity following the mid-season takeover.

.@HaasF1Team has elected not to appeal the decision of the FIA Stewards (UAE Document 20 - Haas Protest Decision) following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Nov. 22-25 2018. pic.twitter.com/xeg209Ruw8 — Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) November 28, 2018

The FIA ruled that the new Force India were team can be classed as a constructor, the stewards finding: "The former team was not a 'competitor' within the… Sporting Regulations. The former team was no longer a competitor in the 2018 Formula 1 World Championship as it had forfeited all its rights and ability to field two cars at any further grand prix in 2018.

"In relation to the definition of 'outsourcing', there is no regulatory support for the argument that outsourcing of listed parts cannot come from a former or excluded team and therefore the procurement, by the Racing Point Force India F1 Team of listed parts from the administrator, was permitted."

A major bone of contention has reportedly been Force India's right to prize money come the end of the year.

Haas were upset that the new Force India were able to keep 'column 1' payments that can reach $60million as the American team were not eligible for them in their first two years as a constructor.

Crucially, the stewards ruled that Force India are classed as a "new team", which could support that side of the American squad's argument.

Haas' decision to leave the matter as it is suggests that they have indeed gained the clarification they were after and it remains to be seen if future challenges over Force India's position will be determined.

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