Haas car legality to be investigated

Renault question 'legality' of Haas car

Joas van Wingerden

Sunday 2 September 2018 18:14

A storm is brewing in Formula 1's midfield after Renault accused Haas' car of being illegal after Romain Grosjean finished sixth at the Italian Grand Prix to move the American team above Renault and into fourth place in the constructors' championship.

It is reported that Renault's complaint relates to the floor of Haas' car.

Haas have attracted accusatory glances from their rivals for much of the campaign after emerging from pre-season testing at the front of the midfield pack.

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Other teams' complaints relate to Haas taking all listed parts from Ferrari - Fernando Alonso has said the Haas was a "clone" of Ferrari's car.

Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen have arguably not made the most of their pace in 2018 - the Frenchman did no score points until the ninth race of the season, but has not scored in five of the last six grands prix.

The timing of Renault's complaint is hardly surprising - the French squad have designs on becoming title contenders in the coming years and will want to maximise their financial rewards in the constructors' championship.

UPDATE: We confirm that we have submitted a request to the Stewards of the Event for clarification on the legality of the Haas F1 Team VF-18. We have no further comment on this matter until the Stewards have arrived at a decision.#ItalianGP — Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) September 2, 2018