Haas launch protest against Force India in Abu Dhabi

Haas have launched a protest against Force India on the eve of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Both Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon's cars will be under scrutiny in any potential investigation which could see Force India forced to sit out the season-ending race at Yas Marina.

According to widespread reports, the matter concerns Haas' doubts over Force India's standing as a constructor, as defined by FIA regulations following the mid-season takeover by Lawrence Stroll.

Racing Point Force India replaced Sahara Force India on the grid, starting with no constructors' championship points – however a bone of contention has been their 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.

It is unknown whether Haas are ultimately seeking compensation or looking to have Force India's prize money taken away and then redistributed among the other nine teams on the grid.

A sparse statement from the FIA confirmed that team representatives will report to the stewards at 11:00 local time at the Yas Marina Circuit – free practice one is slated to begin just two hours later.

The intense midfield battle has led to much sniping between teams this season. Haas had their fingers burned at the Italian Grand Prix when Renault protested Romain Grosjean's sixth-place finish – denying the American squad eight crucial points in the fight for fourth place in the constructors' championship.

Haas were found to have un an illegal floor at Monza, having been allowed to do so by the FIA amid supplier issues, albeit under the threat of being challenged by a rival.

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