Video Evidence Shows Renault F1 Using the Controversial Braking System Since February

On Thursday, Renault F1 got into major trouble over their brake adjustment system. The whole situation stemmed from a complaint from the SportPesa Racing Point Formula 1 Team.

Initially, Renault suspected that a defector from their team to Racing Point, clued the latter in on the scenario. However, they alleged that everything harks back to Renaults first run with the RS19 in Barcelona. As it turns out, there was a Go-Pro on Daniel Ricciardo’s helmet, projecting suspicious images.

Also, it was worth noting that Renault opted not to appeal against the disqualification. This was because there was no additional evidence to help acquit Renault from their situation. In addition to that, they knew that recourse to a stewards’ judgment normally has little chance of a successful appeal.

However, Racing Point’s suspicions were irrelevant and Renault had not violated any rules of the Technical Regulations. In spite of this, they were guilty, as another braking system was unveiled, which escaped Racing Point’s notice.

This additional braking system could have been classified as a driving aid in the broadest sense. So, Renault were booked under a different offence, as only the driver should control the car.

Racing Point Team Manager Andy Stevenson clarified the nature of their protest against Renault: “That’s not our job. We have put forward our suspicions and listed them. After that, the burden of proof lies with Renault. You have to tell the stewards why everything is legal.”

The first suspicions were drawn from a video of the Renault RS19 shakedown in Barcelona. As part of the film day, a GoPro camera was fitted on Daniel Ricciardo’s helmet. This would later be their downfall, as it delivered crystal clear images from the steering wheel display.

On the screen, it should be clearly seen that the percentage value for the “brake balance” changes in the top left of the display.

Racing Point then created a dossier after a closer analysis of the Renault system. They had reason to believe that it automated the brake balance adjustment accordingly.

The team sent a request to the FIA ​​questioning the legality of the system. At first, technology commissioners refused to accept the proposal after the Singapore GP. So, Racing Point decided to take action against Renault’s system. They proceeded to gather more evidence until the Japanese Grand Prix.

Racing Point engineers latched onto the on-board camera shots of Nico Hülkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo and recorded the moments when the braking force split on the display changed without the driver turning the switch.