Sainz unhappy about single 2021 pre-season test
Carlos Sainz McLaren
One of several drivers changing teams at the end of this season, Carlos Sainz isn’t happy with F1’s decision to slash testing to just three days.
Earlier this month, it was reported that 2021’s pre-season testing would consist of just one three-day outing.
The justification for the reduction is that this year’s cars will be used in next year’s championship, although there will be a few tweaks.
For Sainz, though, it will be a completely different car.
The Spaniard is swapping from McLaren to Ferrari at the end of this season – one of several drivers, including Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo, changing teams.
Sainz isn’t at all happy that he will only be getting a day and a half in the car.
“As you can understand, a day and a half to be prepared for a season without knowing previously the car is practically impossible to be prepared for the first race,” the 26-year-old told Autosport.
“That will make my first half of the season at Ferrari very difficult, as for Fernando, Ricciardo and other drivers who change team.
“I don’t understand why it’s only three days, one and a half days per driver, and I’m not in favour of it, especially as there are no tests during the season.”
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Sainz says he would be open to joining the line-up at the post-season Abu Dhabi test if that means he can put in a few laps in the SF1000.
“It is no secret that I would be interested in being in that test and driving the Ferrari,” he said.
“It depends on the personal interests of other teams, which have to be agreed, and the FIA would have to give the OK.
“But it is not a secret that I would be interested in being in that test.”
The chances of that happening are zero.
Not only is the post-season test only open to young drivers, drivers who have not contested more than two grands prix, but McLaren is unlikely to release the Spaniard early especially as Ferrari is one of its main rivals.
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