F1's governing body, the FIA, could be called on to formally investigate Aston Martin's updated car, RacingNews365.com understands. Aston Martin have brought a major upgrade package for the AMR22 to this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, including a new floor body, fences and edges, and changes to the engine cover, cooling louvres, rear wing, sidepod inlets and Halo. The modifications, particularly in terms of the sidepods and engine cover, have drawn comparisons to the front-running Red Bull RB18. RacingNews365.com has heard from two separate sources that there's a possibility of the FIA specifically assessing the similarities between the new Aston Martin and Red Bull. The FIA are already reviewing the Aston Martin - and other cars up and down the grid - as part of routine checks.
Drama for Racing Point back in 2020
A specific investigation would be focused on whether or not Aston Martin have broken strict rules, which were established in 2020 in response to the actions of Racing Point – the team's previous guise. Racing Point were accused of copying Mercedes' 2019 title-winning car for the 2020 campaign, leading to nicknames such as 'The Pink Mercedes' and 'Tracing Point'. Following complaints from rivals Renault (now Alpine), Racing Point were caught out by changes to the regulations regarding shared components, specifically brake ducts they took from Mercedes. As a result, the team picked up a €400,000 fine and were docked 15 points. Rules introduced for the following season prohibit the use of cameras and software that could be used to convert photographs into design data, along with the scanning of parts.
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