The FIA have announced they have concluded their investigation into the Scuderia Ferrari power unit, following a series of directives which were issued at the end of last year’s Formula 1 season. They appear to be linked with decreased performance from the SF90.
The power unit became the basis for accusations of cheating from rival drivers, such as Aston Martin Red Bull Racing‘s Max Verstappen.
A settlement was reached between both parties, but its terms will remain private.
A statement issued by the FIA 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.”
There has been backlash the seven non-Ferrari powered teams, including Mercedes-AMG Motorsport and Renault F1 Team, with a feeling that the decision of the investigation was taken behind closed doors, after the initial enquiry was launched due to teams’ concerns.
The teams all released a joint statement, pledging to call the FIA to account for its lack of transparency, as the sport’s governing body.
It 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 1.
‘In addition, we reserve our rights to seek legal redress, within the FIA’s due process and before the competent courts.
“McLaren Racing Limited
Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited
Racing Point UK Limited
Red Bull Racing Limited
Renault Sport Racing Limited
Scuderia Alpha Tauri S.p.A.
Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited”
