Mercedes boss will fight corner in ‘copycat’ row

MERCEDES team principal Toto Wolff is ready to take legal action to protect his team against any accusations of rule-breaking in Formula One’s copycat controversy.

Racing Point were fined £361,000 and docked 15 points for modelling their car on Mercedes’ 2019 titlewinning machine.

An FIA investigation established that Mercedes provided Racing Point with computer-aided design models for their brake ducts, helping them build what has been called the ‘Pink Mercedes’. Mercedes also handed over brake ducts on January 6.

But Wolff (pictured) said: ‘I am speaking to Ola (Kallenius, the head of Mercedes-Benz) every single day, about good things and bad things. Our reputation is very important, but it is intact. If someone thinks we have done something wrong, they should protest, and we are happy to go to court.

‘We have not been protested, we’ve done nothing wrong. I strongly believe Racing Point have done nothing wrong. ‘If this goes to the International Court of Appeal, the barristers are of the strong opinion this is a case with very, very solid pillars.’ Racing Point owner Lawrence Stroll had accused rival teams of ‘unsporting behaviour’ for dragging their name ‘though the mud’. He reacted angrily after four teams — Ferrari, McLaren, Renault and Williams — lodged their intention to appeal against what they believe is inadequate punishment. Racing Point are also appealing in the belief they have done nothing wrong. Stroll said: ‘I do not often speak publicly. However, I am extremely angry at any suggestion we have been underhand or have cheated. I have never cheated at anything in my life.’