Haas elects not to appeal F1 stewards’ Force India ruling

Haas has confirmed it will not appeal the decision taken by the Formula 1 race stewards in Abu Dhabi following its protest of both Force India cars.

Haas issued a protest relating to the intellectual property of both Force India VJM11 cars in Abu Dhabi, claiming the team had breached the regulations by continuing to use the same chassis and parts following its re-entry to the F1 championship at the Belgian Grand Prix.

The stewards dismissed the case, claiming there had been no breach, but Haas chief Günther Steiner claimed on Saturday the team had noted the FIA of its intent to appeal the ruling, giving the team a 96-hour window in which to make a final decision.

However, Haas has now confirmed in a brief statement that it will not be appealing the ruling.

“‪Haas F1 Team has elected not to appeal the decision of the FIA Stewards (UAE Document 20 – Haas Protest Decision) following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Nov. 22-25 2018,” the statement confirms.

This means that Force India’s results from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are no longer provisional. Sergio Perez finished the race eighth, while Esteban Ocon retired late on after an engine issue.

While Haas lost its protest, the team did gain clarity from the FIA that Force India should be considered a new entry following its takeover and exit from administration that was confirmed ahead of August’s Belgian Grand Prix.

Haas is currently fighting against Force India’s entitlement to keep its prize money rights from previous years. New entries are technically not permitted a share of the ‘Column 1’ prize money until their third season on the grid.