Haas explains the complaint against Force India: a question of fairness

The affair has shaken the paddock of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since Thursday evening, since the filing of a complaint by Haas against its rival Racing Point Force India. In the sights of the structure of machine tool magnate Gene Haas: the retention by the Silverstone team of the gains and income associated with the former entity Force India after its purchase by the Lawrence consortium Stroll this summer.

The redistribution of income in F1 is done according to several columns and complex distribution keys. One of the conditions for obtaining payment of part of these funds stipulates that a team must finish in the Top 10 in the Manufacturers' standings in two of the last three seasons. 

Haas, which joined F1 in 2016, had to wait until 2018 before unlocking these substantial financial rewards, while Force India did not have to face this waiting period.

« We are looking for fairness, declared Steiner this Friday evening in the Yas Marina paddock. We joined F1 and respected certain conditions that we knew. We have the feeling that this was not the case with Racing Point Force India so we are looking for an explanation ». 

The dispute is not new since Haas made its dissatisfaction known shortly after the announcement of the express birth of Racing Point Force India at the Belgian Grand Prix. Steiner, who met F1 boss Chase Carey on Thursday morning, explained why his team waited until the final round of the season to lodge a protest.

« We weren't ready, he justified. We tried to find an amicable solution but we got no answers and at a certain point you have to make the necessary decisions. 

The problem is undoubtedly bigger than Force India but I don't want to judge. We just want fairness. We're not trying to have more than anyone else, just the same thing ». 

If the Italian manager refused to speculate on the verdict of the Abu Dhabi commissioners, which should come before Free Practice 3 on Saturday, he did not rule out going further in the event of an unsatisfactory outcome for the team he directed.