Haas lose appeal regarding Grosjean’s Italian GP disqualification

Haas's hopes of finishing fourth in the constructors’ championship have suffered a setback after the American F1 team lost their appeal over Romain Grosjean’s exclusion from the Italian Grand Prix…

The Frenchman delivered a fine performance to finish sixth at Monza, a result that moved Haas ahead of Renault into fourth in the constructors’ championship.

However, Renault lodged a protest over the legality of the Haas car, which centred around the floor, and following an investigation, the stewards ruled the VF-18 did not conform to the rules.

Grosjean was subsequently disqualified, but Haas submitted an appeal. This was heard by the FIA’s International Court of Appeal in Paris on Friday, after which it was revealed they upheld the stewards’ decision.

In a statement, the FIA said: “The Court, after having heard the parties and examined their submissions, decided:

“To uphold the Decision No. 42 of the Stewards of the 2018 Italian Grand Prix held in Monza counting towards the 2018 FIA Formula One World Championship;

“To confirm the exclusion of Haas F1 Team's car No. 8 from the 2018 Italian Grand Prix held in Monza counting towards the 2018 FIA Formula One World Championship;

“To order the competent Sporting Authority to draw, as appropriate, the consequences of this ruling.

“To date, only the operative part of the decision has been notified to the Parties. The full decision including grounds will be notified later on.”

Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner in a statement: "[We are] obviously disappointed not to have won our appeal.

"We simply move forward and look to the final two races of the year to continue to fight on-track, earn more points, and conclude our strongest season to date in Formula 1."

Renault Chassis Technical Director Nick Chester added: “Technical Regulations – especially those introduced for safety reasons - must be observed strictly.

"We are satisfied with the decision and I would like to thank the court and the FIA for their work on this matter. The team is now focused on the end of the season.”

It means Haas remain 30 points behind fourth-placed Renault in the constructors’ championship with just the Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix to come.