Abiteboul defends Alonso's ride with Renault in Abu Dhabi

Yes, he is neither young nor a beginner. So what ? Fernando Alonso will participate in the test day scheduled for Tuesday December 15 in Abu Dhabi. Initially reserved for rookies, testing was opened to drivers who did not participate in the 2020 season. 

The FIA ​​gave its authorization after effective lobbying by Renault, who wanted to offer track time savings to Alonso ahead of his return as a starter under the colors Alpine F1 Team in 2021. 

In theory, the measure will also allow Alfa Romeo to align Robert Kubica and Red Bull to call upon the services of the faithful Sébastian Buemi. 

However, this exemption is having difficulty passing through certain rival teams, notably  Ferrari, McLaren, and RacingPoint. The Scuderia thus believes that the FIA ​​opened the door by authorizing Alonso to ride and does not see why Carlos Sainz could not do the same under his new colors.  

McLaren, for its part, had made the decision not to participate in this test in April, knowing that it would not have the opportunity to field its new driver Daniel Ricciardo. Same reasoning at Racing Point, which has since signed Sebastian Vettel. 

« I'm surprised that Fernando is allowed to take part in the test, commented Otmar Szafnauer, CEO of Racing Point, during the traditional press conference for team bosses at the Sakhir Grand Prix. We need to discuss this with the FIA. I think the rules are clear: this is a test for young drivers, but a double world champion who is approaching forty is not a young driver in my eyes. ». 

These criticisms, barely veiled behind the veneer of diplomacy, did not fail to annoy Cyril Abiteboul.

« Mention is made of young drivers, but also of any other person who has received the green light from the FIA, retorted the French manager. It is his strictest right. 

Now, if Otmar wants to file a complaint with the FIA, it would be particularly strong coffee, knowing that they have an illegal car (in reference to the saga of the brake ducts of the Racing Point of inspiration Mercedes, Editor’s note). 

We agreed to reach an agreement on this matter. Now if he wants to go… I find that there is no lack of irony ».

We will still be surprised at the psycho-drama turn that this rookie test story takes...

« It's just a day of testing, noted Christian Horner. Will this really change the face of the world? We are allowed to run 2 cars. 

We see no problem with Fernando driving with Renault. Same for Carlos with Ferrari or Sebastian with Racing Point. 

Now, if Fernando is considered a young driver, I suddenly feel younger! Maybe we could recall Nigel Mansell. After all, he never officially retired ». 

Hopefully this bit of humor helps defuse a situation which highlights F1's propensity to drown in a glass of water.