Ferrari F1 boss Fred Vasseur calls for Max Verstappen-Red Bull test example scrutiny

Vasseur, Verstappen, socials — Photo: © IMAGO

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Ferrari ask for Verstappen-Red Bull test example scrutiny

Red Bull tested with their champion ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix

Rhys Thomas

Thursday 27 June 2024 22:00

A testing strategy used by Red Bull and Max Verstappen has been questioned by Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur.

Red Bull hold a 60 point lead over the Scuderia ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, with Ferrari losing further ground after disappointing Canadian and Spanish Grands Prix.

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In Barcelona, there was also some unsavory squabbling between team-mates Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

Having attempted to fight that fire, Vasseur has turned his attention to a potential reform to the testing programs teams are allowed to run throughout the season.

Fred Vasseur is the Ferrari team principal

Testing is hugely limited in F1 these days

What does Vasseur want to change in testing?

At present, teams are permitted to carry out 'TPCs' away from pre-season testing - the Testing of Previous Cars.

Cars that are 2-5 years old can be used; in 2024, this is important because the 2022 cars - the first of the ground-effect era - can be tested, and this carries more relevance to the development of the current iteration of chassis.

These opportunities are typically used to develop younger drivers, though teams are free to put their current lineups in the seat, and Red Bull opted to use Verstappen in a test at Imola ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

“There are TPCs you can do with your race drivers," Vasseur explained. "These are mainly about developing the car, especially if you schedule it a week before a Grand Prix.

“I don't complain about what they do, because it is legally OK. But it's not like they want Max to gain experience on a Tuesday.”

Red Bull and Max Verstappen tested in Imola before the Spanish Grand Prix

It has been reported that this test was used to allow the Dutch champion to aid Red Bull in its work to improve the current car’s bump-riding issues, something which also impacted the 2022 car.

Vasseur suggested that some revisions are required to ensure the TPC program serves the purpose of aiding prospective drivers as well as development.

“I think this needs to be looked at," he said. "We would better divide it into days that we do with our drivers and days that we do with inexperienced drivers.”

With Red Bull's lineup secured on paper until 2026, there is perhaps little motivation to use younger drivers. However, their expansive junior program and the potential availability of a seat at 'B-team' Racing Bulls means that they are not short on options.

Regardless, the bottom line is that Red Bull have acted within the regulations, and perhaps Vasseur will be looking to use a similar test as Ferrari look to close the gap to the leaders.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Ferrari Charles Leclerc Carlos Sainz IndyCar