FIA confirm hearing date for Red Bull fuel flow appeal - April will see a decision on Ricciardo's Australian penalty
Published by Christine
Red Bull officially lodged documents with the FIA this week, appealing their disqualification from the Australian Grand Prix. The team were found to have an illegal fuel flow on Daniel Ricciardo’s car which saw him stripped of his second place finish. The FIA have confirmed the appeal will be heard on 14th April, which is just before the Chinese Grand Prix.
With two races between then and now, it’s not clear what strategy Red Bull will take when it comes to regulating their fuel in Malaysia and Bahrain. The issue occurred because their measurements differed to those of the governing body and they opted to trust their own readings rather than that of the FIA. Continuing to do so could harm their championship campaign if they continue to be disqualified, and yet opting to fall into line with the FIA may harm their defence.
Meanwhile, the team have admitted they are still behind schedule, despite Ricciardo’s good finish. Boss Christian Horner believes Mercedes have a one second per lap advantage, and they and Renault have some catching up to do.
