Rights of Review are nothing new in Formula 1, and if used correctly, can be a tool used by a team to rectify a wrong if significant "relevant, new evidence" comes to light.
This is evidence not previously available to the stewards at the time of their original verdict, to ensure spurious RoRs are given the treatment they deserve.
For example, Red Bull using Alex Albon to recreate Lewis Hamilton's lines in Copse corner after the infamous first lap collision between Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the 2021 British Grand Prix does not count.
'Manufacturing' evidence is a big no, even if a team perceives itself to be greatly wronged as Red Bull did by Hamilton's 10-second penalty for sticking a wheel up the inside of Verstappen leading to what was ostensibly a first-lap racing incident.
The RoR process is split into two parts, with the first determining whether the team lodging the appeal - in this case Haas - has met the threshold of the 'new evidence' bar in its submission.
If the stewards agree it has, then a review of the incident of track limits at Turn 6 not being punished will be opened in the normal way. If not, the case is dismissed and everyone goes home.
Haas's request into the United States Grand Prix is interesting, as Team Manager Peter Crolla has identified a potential opening for the team.
Crucially, if you lose a RoR appeal, nothing is taken against you. You can't lose points or positions if nothing is unchanged - but get it right, and there a a few million reasons why it would be important.
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Real reason behind Haas RoR
In Austin, the top 10 was Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez, George Russell, Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll, Yuki Tsunoda, Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant once Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were chucked out of second and sixth.
Crucially, Nico Hulkenberg was 11th for Haas, the first driver outside of a points position, finishing 3.190s behind Albon in ninth.
If Albon is given a five-second penalty should the review be successful, he would drop to 11th, bumping Sargeant to ninth and Hulkenberg to 10th and one point.
The effect on the Constructors' is laid out in the table below.
Constructors' Championship if Albon is penalised in Haas RoR
Current standings | If Albon is penalised and Haas gets a point |
---|---|
7th - Williams - 28 | 7th - Williams - 27 |
8th - AlphaTauri - 21 | 8th - AlphaTauri - 21 |
9th - Alfa Romeo - 16 | 9th - Alfa Romeo - 16 |
10th - Haas - 12 | 10th - Haas - 13 |
Haas Right of Review
If the review is successful, Haas could edge close to Alfa Romeo in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon by one point.
A three-point deficit and better higher finishing position on countback (Hulkenberg has a seventh, Valtteri Bottas an eighth) is a lot easier than a four-point advantage to make up.
If Haas does pip Alfa Romeo by virtue of this extra point if the review is successful, it would earn the team millions of dollars more in prize money when the pot is divvied up.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
The first part of the review is set for 3pm European time on Wednesday 8th November, with the second part to follow, if allowed, at a later date.
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