Ferrari and Haas have been cleared of wrongdoing as the FIA tightens collaboration rules.

The two had been accused of working together, the Italian outfit using the new American team's windtunnel for development purposes.

Under the existing rules, while current teams are strictly limited in terms of windtunnel work, Haas, not yet part of the world championship, isn't subject to the regulations.

Consequently, it was claimed the Italian team, which in addition to supplying engines for the team next year and will also be a technical partner, was using the relationship to 'circumnavigate' the rules.

Mercedes therefore called on the FIA to clarify what is sees as ambiguity in terms of the collaboration rules, Toto Wolff claiming that without clear definition there would be an "arms race", a feeling shared by several other teams including McLaren.

The Race Stewards issued a document ahead of today's season finale in which they cleared both Ferrari and Haas of breaking the rules, but at the same time clarified what is and what isn't allowed.

"There is no evidence that competitors have not complied with the requirements" of the relevant rules, read the ruling.

One important change is that from now on new teams will be subject to the rules from the moment their entry is officially accepted.

"I am comfortable with the outcome because it gives us clarity and that was the main purpose of the exercise," said Wolff following the FIA's ruling. "If they gained an advantage by interpreting the rules as they did, then, 'chapeau' and they deserve that."

The full ruling can be found here (pdf)

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by SideGlance, 02/12/2015 4:25

"Do the rules extend like this for new engine builders ?

I had wondered why Honda did not run their engines in actual old/self-made cars before the pre-season testing/season began? One would think that you could do anything you want until official start of your 'active' season, when ever that is of course - xxxx/1/1 or at first race OR ?

It appears though that for Honda that was when it signed the F1/FIA/Bernie forms ?"

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2. Posted by BigFan, 01/12/2015 23:12

"I believe that should read, "chapeau!" (with the exclamation mark) for "hat off". But I'm not European, so maybe I'm wrong, in which case, it would read just, "hat", thus nonsense."

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Ferrari and Haas cleared

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