For anyone who fancies a bit of a drama, F1 has provided quite a show with the Racing Point case. The RP20 has been stamped the "pink Mercedes" and Renault led a legal charge to the FIA officials to have the Racing Point's brake ducts ruled out. The FIA upheld Renault protest and fined the Silverstone based team with 400K€ and a 15 points deduction in the constructors championship. As a result, five teams notified their intention to appeal that Racing Point's decison: Renault, Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and Racing Point itself. For the latter, the decision is unfair, considering the team breached no rule.

We rarely listen to Lawrence Stroll's voice. The team owner of Racing Point is generally quite discrete, but in this instance, he decided to break his customary silence “because I am extremely angry at any suggestion we have been underhand or have cheated – particularly those comments coming from our competitors”.

He added: “I have never cheated at anything in my life,” said Stroll. “These accusations are completely unacceptable and not true. My integrity - and that of my team - are beyond question. Everyone at Racing Point was shocked and disappointed by the FIA ruling and firmly maintain our innocence.”

“There was an absence of specific guidance or clarification from the FIA in respect to how that transition to Listed Parts might be managed within the spirit and intent of the regulations."

"The rules, as they are written, state that after 2019, no further information on brake duct design can be shared or acquired. At that point, what you know and have learned, is your own information. From that point onwards, you are on your own. Which is exactly what we have done."

“So, to clarify, there was no guidance in place by the FIA surrounding the transition of non-listed to listed items and Racing Point received in March 2020 written confirmation from the FIA with regards to our compliance on the matter."

“This week I was also shocked to see the FIA introduced a new grandfather clause [this is a provision in which an old rule continues to apply to some existing situations while a new rule will apply to all future cases], which had never previously existed."

“Beyond the clear fact that Racing Point complied with the technical regulations, I am appalled by the way Renault, McLaren, Ferrari and Williams have taken this opportunity to appeal, and in doing so attempted to detract from our performances. They are dragging our name through the mud and I will not stand by nor accept this."

“I intend to take all necessary actions to prove our innocence. My team has worked tirelessly to deliver the competitive car we have on the grid. I am truly upset to see the poor sportsmanship of our competitors."

“I understand that the situation in which the FIA finds itself is difficult and complicated for many reasons, but I also respect and appreciate their efforts to try and find a solution in the best interests of the sport.”