Yesterday, several teams (non-Ferrari powered teams) sent a letter to the FIA demanding transparency regarding a private settlement the regulatory body had made with Ferrari over the legality of its 2019 Poor Unit.
The Fia said last week that they had reached a conclusion/agreement and that the details would remain between them only and not made public. That didn’t sit well with other teams who sent a join letter demanding more information be released.
The FIA did relate more information regarding the settlement and it seems to come down to a case of not having irrefutable evidence that the team were flouting the regulations. It was also considered a massive task to prove they were and the FIA simply reached detente with Ferrari. Here is the FIA’s statement.
“Following yesterday’s announcement by seven F1 teams, the FIA would like to make the following clarifications,” the FIA statement read. “The FIA has conducted detailed technical analysis on the Scuderia Ferrari Power Unit as it is entitled to do for any competitor in the FIA Formula One World Championship.
“The extensive and thorough investigations undertaken during the 2019 season raised suspicions that the Scuderia Ferrari PU could be considered as not operating within the limits of the FIA regulations at all times. The Scuderia Ferrari firmly opposed the suspicions and reiterated that its PU always operated in compliance with the regulations.
“The FIA was not fully satisfied but decided that further action would not necessarily result in a conclusive case due to the complexity of the matter and the material impossibility to provide the unequivocal evidence of a breach.
“To avoid the negative consequences that a long litigation would entail especially in light of the uncertainty of the outcome of such litigations and in the best interest of the Championship and of its stakeholders, the FIA, in compliance with Article 4 (ii) of its Judicial and Disciplinary Rules (JDR), decided to enter into an effective and dissuasive settlement agreement with Ferrari to terminate the proceedings.
“This type of agreement is a legal tool recognised as an essential component of any disciplinary system and is used by many public authorities and other sport federations in the handling of disputes.
“The confidentiality of the terms of the settlement agreement is provided for by Article 4 (vi) of the JDR.
“The FIA will take all necessary action to protect the sport and its role and reputation as regulator of the FIA Formula One World Championship.”
Hat Tip: The FIA
That statement explains nothing but only shows the FIA’s inability or unwillingness to regulate and police the sport.
It’s like the FBI investigating a case, but not finding enough evidence to make it airtight. The FBI won’t investigate any further, and the Justice Department attorney won’t prosecute. They want an airtight case that they’re absolutely sure they can win or they won’t go any further. instead, they may attempt a plea bargain and perhaps get a consent decree. That’s where the situation is right now.
Even the explanation leaves both sides looking slightly odd.