Haas’ decision to protest Force India’s entry a🀅t the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has taken the Formula 1 squad by “surprise”, according to team principal Otmar Szafnauer.

Late on Thursday the FIA confirmed Haas had♔ lodged a protest against both Racing Point Force India entries over a potential regulation breach regarding the construction of its cars.

An initial hearing on Friday morning was adjourned until after ope𒁏ning practice 𓂃in Abu Dhabi to allow for further evidence.

“After the protest was lodged it wasn’t a surprise at all but just before t💙hat we weren’t expecting it really,” Szafnauer said.

“So a bit of a s♉urprise but in a way it’s good that now all the i𒅌nformation can now be presented to the stewards.

“In due course they ൩will make a very informed situation.”

It is understood the protest relates to the intellectual property of the Forc💧e India car, with the rebranded Racing Point Force India ent⛄ry running a design built by the original Force India squad that fell into administration over the summer.

While F1 constructors are allowed to outsource the des꧙ign and manufacture of ‘listed parts’, they are required to “retain the exclusive right to use the Listed Parts in ꧒Formula 1 so long as it competes in Formula 1.”

The regulati💃ons add that no competitor can “pass on or receive any information on Listed Parts (including but not limited to data, designs or drawings) directly to or from another competitor or via an external entity or third parꦫty.”