Red Bull respond in F1's latest copying row

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Red Bull respond in F1's latest copying row

Aston Martin has so far been cleared

Ian Parkes

Friday 20 May 2022 15:56

Red Bull has indicated it is unlikely to settle with the FIA outcome into F1's latest copying row.

Aston Martin has initially been cleared by the FIA of a copycat design of Red Bull's RB18 following an investigation of its upgrades on the AMR22s for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

The FIA discovered during a routine pre-event legality check of the planned aerodynamic upgrade that it resembled the Red Bull.

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Under article 17.3 of the technical regulations, and in particular the topic of 'reverse engineering' and potential illicit IP transfer, Aston Martin has - for now - been found not to be at fault.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, has made clear the potential transference of IP is of primary concern.

Over the winter, staff migrated away from Red Bull and joined Aston Martin, most notably chief aerodynamicist Dan Fallows who has taken on the role of technical director, although he only joined a month ago.

Via a statement, Red Bull has inferred the matter may not yet be closed.

"Oracle Red Bull Racing have noted the FIA’s statement with interest," said Red Bull in a response.

"While imitation is the greatest form of flattery, any replication of design would obviously need to comply with the FIA’s rules around ‘reverse engineering’.

"However, should any transfer of IP have taken place that would clearly be a breach of regulations and would be a serious concern."

GPFans understands a second, more in-depth investigation may now be on the cards to ascertain whether IP has been transferred.

Asked whether Red Bull had a case to pursue, speaking on Sky Sports F1, Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack said: "You will have to ask Red Bull if they have a problem.

"We have been clear, we have been transparent, we have been open and we have been given the green light.

"So from that point of view, we pursue our path, continue developing and try to move up the grid."