Renault F1 team chooses not to appeal against 2019 Japanese GP DQs

The manufacturer lost the Suzuka results of both Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg on Wednesday following a protest from Racing Point.

Racing Point claimed that Renault had been using an illegal pre-set brake balance adjustment system on its car.

Following a stewards' investigation, it was found that the device Renault used did not break any of F1's technical regulations, but it was decided that the button control system was in breach of F1's sporting rules, which state a driver must drive alone and unaided.

Renault had until Thursday morning in Mexico to decide whether or not to appeal against the disqualification, but in the end it elected to not take the matter further.

Renault nevertheless made it clear that it believes the punishment is excessive, while at the same time explaining that it did not wish to waste further time by taking the matter to the FIA's International Court of Appeal.

"In our opinion, the penalty is not proportionate to any benefit the drivers derived, especially when used within the context of a system confirmed fully legal and innovative.

"It is also inconsistent with previous sanctions for similar breaches, as acknowledged by the stewards in their decision, but expressed without further argumentation.

"However, since we have no new evidence to bring other than that already produced to demonstrate the legality of our system, we do not wish to invest further time and effort in a sterile debate in front of the International Court of Appeal concerning the subjective appreciation, and therefore sanction, related to an aid that reduces the driver workload without enhancing the performance of the car.

"We have therefore decided not to appeal the stewards' decision." Renault also stated that despite its system being declared illegal it will continue to try and implement innovative ideas for performance gains.

"Formula 1 will always be an arena for the relentless search for the slightest possible opportunities for competitive advantage," the statement continued.

"It is what we have always done and will continue to do, albeit with stronger internal processes before innovative solutions are brought on track."