Ferrari rivals ‘strongly object’ to FIA settlement

Ferrari’s rivals are threatening legal action over the FIA’s undisclosed agreement with the Scuderia regarding last year’s engine controversy.

Last year Ferrari’s rivals questioned the legality of the Scuderia’s power unit.

This led to several Technical Directives being issued by the FIA relating to fuel flow.

The teams were also informed that an extra sensor would be used in 2020.

The matter rumbled on without any decisive ruling from motorsport’s governing body on whether Ferrari’s engine was legal or not.

The FIA swept it all under the carpet last week when it announced a settlement with Ferrari.

The statement read: “The FIA announces that, after thorough technical investigations, it has concluded its analysis of the operation of the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 power unit and reached a settlement with the team. The specifics of the agreement will remain between the parties.

“The FIA and Scuderia Ferrari have agreed to a number of technical commitments that will improve the monitoring of all Formula 1 power units for forthcoming championship seasons as well as assist the FIA in other regulatory duties in Formula 1 and in its research activities on carbon emissions and sustainable fuels.”

What that settlement related to and why the FIA agreed to it have not been disclosed.

Ferrari’s rivals are livid and have threatened legal action.

Seven of the 10 teams; McLaren, Mercedes, Racing Point, Red Bull, Renault, AlphaTauri and Williams; have written to the FIA demanding an explanation.

The letter read:

“We, the undersigned teams, were surprised and shocked by the FIA’s statement of Friday 28 February regarding the conclusion of its investigation into the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Power Unit.

“An international sporting regulator has the responsibility to act with the highest standards of governance, integrity and transparency.

“After months of investigations that were undertaken by the FIA only following queries raised by other teams, we strongly object to the FIA reaching a confidential settlement agreement with Ferrari to conclude this matter.

“Therefore, we hereby state publicly our shared commitment to pursue full and proper disclosure in this matter, to ensure that our sport treats all competitors fairly and equally. We do so on behalf of the fans, the participants and the stakeholders of Formula One.

“In addition, we reserve our rights to seek legal redress, within the FIA’s due process and before the competent courts.”