F1 teams 'shocked and surprised' by FIA's findings into Ferrari engine probe

Seven of the 10 Formula 1 teams including world champions Mercedes have objected to the confidential agreement signed between Ferrari and the sport's governing body, the FIA. 

According to the BBC, the FIA had investigated Ferrari's engines in which the team had managed to "circumvent restrictions on fuel flow."

The findings of the investigation were never made public and the FIA announcing via a statement that "the specifics of the agreement remain between the parties" left teams shocked 

Mercedes and Red Bull raised red flags about their rival's engine performance, Ferrari had secured pole-position six times in a row. 

Red Bull received clarification on the issue from the FIA after it sent a series of questions to the sport's governing body. The feedback was clear that any 'tampering with the mandatory fuel-flow meter that could lead it to exceed the maximum permitted fuel flow would be against the rules', the BBC reported. 

Mercedes, Red Bull, Williams, Racing Point, McLaren, Renault and Alpha Tauri sent out a statement on Wednesday (March 4) stating they were 'surprised and shocked by the findings' of the probe into Ferrari's engines. 

A statement sent out on March 3 by seven teams read: "We, the undersigned teams, were surprised and shocked by the FIA’s statement of Friday, February 28 regarding the conclusion of its investigation into the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Power Unit. 

An international sporting regulator has the responsibility to act with the highest standards of governance, integrity and transparency.

After months of investigations that were undertaken by the FIA only following queries raised by other teams, we strongly object to the FIA reaching a confidential settlement agreement with Ferrari to conclude this matter.

Therefore, we hereby state publicly our shared commitment to pursue full and proper disclosure in this matter, to ensure that our sport treats all competitors fairly and equally. We do so on behalf of the fans, the participants and the stakeholders of Formula One.

In addition, we reserve our rights to seek legal redress, within the FIA’s due process and before the competent courts."

Alfa and Haas are the only teams who haven't objected to the findings, they are powered by Ferrari engines. 

Compiled by Sean Parker