F1 | McLaren, Seidl: “Sainz cannot drive Ferrari in tests for young drivers”

The exemption granted by the FIA ​​to Fernando Alonso, a forty-year-old champion who will have the opportunity to test the Renault in the Young Driver Tests in Abu Dhabi, those reserved for young drivers who do not race in F1 or who have not taken part in more than two world GPs. The exemption could also concern Sebastien Buemi and Robert Kubica, for Red Bull and Alfa Romeo respectively. However, these are drivers who have not played the F1 season as starters.

A very different situation for Carlos Sainz, busy with McLaren, for whom it is much more complicated to obtain permission to test his next single-seater, the Ferrari. On this point, Carlos' current team principal, Andreas Seidl, is categorical: Sainz cannot drive the Ferrari in Abu Dhabi because the regulations do not allow it.

“The regulations are quite clear - Seidl said - I see no possibility for Carlos to drive Ferrari in the Abu Dhabi tests. We were well aware that we could not travel with an active pilot and decided to give up these tests. I don't think things have changed, we have no valid reason to do this test. It's a test for young drivers, I really don't think Sainz can get permission to drive Ferrari. The rules are clear and should be respected."

McLaren, in fact, will not be able to let Ricciardo drive, who would have had the same interest as Sainz in working with his new team. However, if the Spaniard obtained the coveted permission to take to the track with the Red, one of Antonio Fuoco or Robert Schwartzman, more likely than the former, would take his place.