F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Alonso takes aim at ‘unfair’ F1 pre-season testing format

F1 veteran Fernando Alonso has criticized Formula 1’s pre-season testing, calling the odd three-day format “unfair” for drivers and highlighting what he perceives as a fundamental inconsistency with the sport's aspirations.

Alonso is on the eve of his 20th season in Formula 1, meaning the Aston Martin charger experienced the sport’s bygone era of extensive testing when teams could spend weeks fine-tuning their machines, without any restrictions on mileage.

The period was a stark contrast to the current three-day window enjoyed by competitors before the season kicks off and imposed on teams for cost-cutting reasons.

Alonso argues that this limited timeframe simply isn't enough for drivers to properly prepare for the intense competition of a world championship.

“I've been thinking all winter about this, how unfair is [it] that we have one day and a half to prepare a world championship,” commented the Spaniard.

“There's no other sport in the world…”

Pre-season testing schedules vary across teams, with most opting for a one-driver, one-day split interspersed with a final shared session.

While the justification for limiting testing used to be purely financial, the growing argument for running two cars might hold more weight now.

Previously, concerns revolved around the logistics costs associated with running an additional car.

However, with testing now permanently nestled in Bahrain, which also hosts the first Grand Prix, this argument loses its punch.

Since all the necessary equipment is already shipped to Sakhir, the additional costs of running a second car would primarily involve personnel and operational expenses. This cost, some argue, pales in comparison to the potential benefits.

The disconnect isn’t lost on Alonso who questions why drivers get the short end of the stick.

“With all the money involved, and with all the marketing and the good things that we say about Formula 1, and being closer and closer to the fans, I cannot understand why we then go to Bahrain for four days, which could be two and two for [each of] the drivers.

“If you go to three, which is not even, which is an odd number, you cannot divide [fairly] between the drivers.

“And I don't know why we don't go with two cars.”

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

51 mins ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

2 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

4 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

5 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

7 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

8 hours ago