Brakegate: Schumacher Accuses Driver Involvement as Well in Massive Renault F1 Controversy

Recently, the SportPesa Racing Point Formula One team accused Renault of using an illegal brake balance system. They even went as far as to submit a twelve-page file to the FIA after the Japanese Grand Prix.

To that end, if the allegations are true, then they could be in big trouble, according to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher.

He said that if a team comes forward with such a serious accusation, they needed undeniable proof. If the allegations are true, then it would be a complete disaster for Renault.

The first time they got hauled up, was in Singapore when Ricciardo was caught with an energy recovery system which provided too much power.

The German is of the opinion that if the drivers know about the system, they could also be in trouble.

“This cannot happen without the knowledge of a driver. If as a racer you don’t have to adjust your brake balance yourself once, then the penny must fall…

“A driver is responsible for adjusting the brake balance. If this happens automatically, it gives a considerable advantage in turns. You can brake later and through the bend at a higher speed. An automatic system can always do that better than a person.”

“The most obvious option is a whistleblower,” he said. “There are more than 1000 people working for both teams: One of them will probably change jobs one day. Then it is possible that such information will come to light.” 

Ralf Schumacher retired in 2007 after Toyota left the sport, but he was linked to a seat with Toro Rosso in 2008. In the end though, they settled for Sebastian Vettel and Sebastien Bourdais. He even tested for the newborn Force India team, but rejected it, along with offers from the likes of US F1, Hispania Racing, Virgin Racing and Lotus.