P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Should current drivers like Max Verstappen be able to test mid-season, even in an older F1 car? Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has questioned if a rule change is needed to the ‘Testing of Previous Cars’ programme
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur suggests that Formula 1’s rules for testing older cars may need to be different for race and non-race drivers after Max Verstappen tested a 2022 Red Bull at Imola. Verstappen’s test was part of Red Bull’s effort to improve the current car’s performance. The test was conducted in compliance with the regulations for ‘Testing of Previous Cars’ requiring notification to the FIA and rival teams. These rules permit testing of cars more than two years old, such as those from 2020, 2021, and 2022. Vasseur emphasized the need for a differentiated approach to testing for development purposes versus providing experience for young drivers. He suggested the regulations might need to be enforced in a way that distinguishes between testing for race drivers and non-racing drivers. The discussion highlights the balance between development testing and driver experience when utilizing older cars in Formula 1.
