Fred Vasseur questions F1 regulations amid Red Bull's "secret test" with Max Verstappen

06/26/2024 09:03 AM

Ferrari’s Frédéric Vasseur is worried about the test Red Bull carried out with Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver, in preparation for the Spanish GP, drove at Imola with the RB18. This session, known to both the FIA and the teams, was part of the “TPC – Testing of Previous Cars” program. The initiative aims at developing young drivers but, in this case, Milton Keynes used it to prepare for Barcelona.

During the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, some discontent arose regarding Red Bull’s on-track testing session at Imola. Although it was a test fully compliant with FIA regulations, it is clear that Milton Keynes used it to optimally prepare for an important race like Barcelona. The presence of Max Verstappen suggests actual “development” work.

The testing program with cars at least two seasons old was introduced to give young drivers time and space at the wheel. However, as suggested by The Race, in this case, it seems Red Bull wanted to compare the behavior of the RB20 with that of the RB18. The aim was to better understand the current car’s performance on curbs with different setups.

While Frédéric Vasseur does not openly condemn Red Bull’s choice, it is clear that the Ferrari team principal wants to at least open a discussion: “During the season, we will conduct just under ten of these tests. They can vary, and tests with old cars can also be conducted with official drivers. This, in my opinion, is more about car development if done a week before the GP.” – the French manager pointed out.

“I’m not complaining about them; they are fully within the regulations,” explains Frédéric Vasseur. “But it is more about development than anything else. It’s clear, and what you can do with a young driver requires a different approach. If we were to regulate this, we should separate the two aspects: days dedicated to official drivers and those dedicated to young drivers.” – the Ferrari team boss added.

Ferrari has already announced that it will conduct most of these tests with Oliver Bearman, who is close to an agreement with Haas for 2025. This program is similar to what Mercedes is doing with Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Alpine with Jack Doohan. It is unclear if other voices in the paddock will support Frédéric Vasseur’s argument, with the aim remaining to avoid further limiting on-track testing.

Source: f1ingenerale

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