Sainz critical of "no logic" FIA decision to bar Abu Dhabi test run
Carlos Sainz Jr says that the logic behind the FIA's decision not to allow him to run in next week's Abu Dhabi Formula 1 young driver test hasn't been explained
The test was originally defined in the 2020 sporting regulations as being solely for drivers who had started no more than two grands prix, with the FIA having the final say on who would be allowed to participate.
But after lobbying from Renault, the test was eventually opened up to any drivers who didn't participate in a race in 2020, opening the door for Renault's 2021 signing Fernando Alonso to test for the Enstone team.
Reserve drivers for Red Bull and Alfa Romeo, Sebastien Buemi and Robert Kubica, will also take part, while Sakhir GP Williams stand-in Jack Aitken is also eligible to drive as he will not have started more than two Grands Prix, regardless of whether he once again replaces George Russell in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Although opposed to the original decision to allow non-rookies, Ferrari subsequently pushed hard for the test to be opened up to everyone, including incoming 2021 driver Sainz.
However confirmation came this week that drivers who raced the full season in 2020 would not be allowed.
Speaking ahead of his last grand prix for McLaren in Abu Dhabi, the Spaniard said that he didn't understand the decision.
"There hasn't been any logic explained to me," said Sainz, who will now get his first Ferrari experience with a two-year-old car early next year.
"Because first of all, I think there's very little logic behind it. And I think not many people really understand what's going on.
"Of course, I'm disappointed not being able to test, but I have to accept it, and turn the page.
"I will make sure I'm prepared as much as I can be for next next year.
"For me as it's only one and a half days testing for each driver next year, the logical thing would have been to open a bit the hand, to some or to all of the drivers who wanted to take part in the Abu Dhabi test.
"Especially knowing it's two cars per team [in Abu Dhabi], to open one of the cars to at least fit the driver into a car, knowing that next year is the same chassis, and see that everything is more or less working working well - the safety aspects from the jump out test, to the to the fitting of the car itself, are obviously primarily important.
"And those are the things that thanks to the Abu Dhabi test, we would have been able to sort out and get a bit of a head start on and unfortunately, it's not happening.
"Obviously I'm disappointed, but nothing I can change."
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About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Carlos Sainz Jr. |
| Author | Adam Cooper |
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