Renault responds to Japanese GP disqualification

Renault have pointed out that the brake system used at the Japanese Grand Prix was "entirely legal" as the team ponders a response to disqualification from the Japanese Grand Prix.

Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg had sixth and 10th-place finishes respectively taken away from them.

It was alleged that Renault were using a "pre-set, automated brake bias system", although the FIA found that the system was not tuned to a determined distance and was therefore not against technical regulations.

However, Renault were not out of trouble, as the sporting regs state that drivers must drive the car unaided and the system in place had meant both Ricciardo and Hulkenberg did not have to make the same adjustments as all other 18 of their rivals.

If Renault want to lodge an appeal they must submit an intent to the FIA on Thursday morning at the Mexican GP.

The team's statement read: "Renault F1 Team acknowledges the decision of the Stewards of the Japanese Grand Prix regarding the protest by SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team concerning the legality of Renault F1 Team’s braking system during the Japanese Grand Prix.

"Despite the FIA concurring with Renault that the system was entirely legal under the FIA Technical Regulations, it was judged by the stewards that the system was in breach of the FIA Sporting Regulations regarding driver aid. Both Renault cars were disqualified from the Japanese Grand Prix and the team loses the nine points scored.

"However, considering the subjectivity of the qualification of a system as a driver aid and the variability of the associated penalties in recent cases, Renault F1 Team will consider its next course of action within the timeframe laid out by the FIA."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 standings after Bahrain Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton stuns and Mercedes star suffers DNF

• 40 minutes ago

F1 Results Today: Lewis Hamilton produces stunning comeback after Bahrain Grand Prix chaos in Malaysia

• 1 hour ago

Lewis Hamilton stops on track in unprecedented Bahrain Grand Prix chaos

• 3 hours ago

FIA confirm Bahrain Grand Prix DELAYED as rain and lightning strike in Malaysia

• 3 hours ago

FIA confirm late Lewis Hamilton Ferrari change at Bahrain Grand Prix

• Today 09:27

Heavy rain falling at Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang as 2026's first wet race approaches

• Today 08:33