F1 reservist seeks Super License: the Gutiérrez imbroglio

What is the role of a reservist F1 ? A priori, replace a starting driver if he is unwell, or has tested positive for Covid-19 as was the case for Sergio Pérez last week. 

From then on, we imagine that the teams ensure that their 3rd driver is able to perform the function if his services are required... Between theory and practice, however, there is a world as we were able to discover these last days. 

On paper, Esteban Gutiérrez should normally have replaced his compatriot Pérez under the existing agreement between Mercedes and its customer engine team Racing Point. The former Sauber driver and Haas shares the role of Brackley reservist with Stoffel Vandoorne but the latter was held back by his obligations in Formula e in Berlin. 

Racing Point ultimately opted for Nico Hulkenberg on the grounds that the German knew the house better after spending 5 seasons with the former Force India structure (2011-12; 2014-16). Either. In any case, Gutiérrez would not have been able to ride in Grands Prix without having first completed 300 kilometers aboard a car, a sine qua non condition imposed by appendix L of the international sporting code for drivers whose Super License dates back more than 3 years. 

However, the Mexican's last career start dates back to the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Haas.

« I think Esteban would have made a very good candidate, commented Toto wolff, main Mercedes team. Unfortunately, he was ineligible due to a new rule, which came into effect this season. 

We didn't pay attention to it because we figured that a former Formula 1 driver with a solid track record wouldn't need to go through this stage. But that's why Racing Point turned to Hülkenberg, which is not a bad option at all. 

We need to see what impact this situation has on us. It’s obviously a shame because it would have been nice to give Esteban a chance. He is an essential part of our team. We have to think of another solution.” 

Any driving with a modern F1 is strictly regulated by the sporting regulations. The latter, for example, plans a day of testing for any driver who has not started a Grand Prix over the last two seasons and is preparing to replace a starter. However, this trial can only be unlocked if the team has made the name of the replacement known in advance. 

In short, despite his official title of Mercedes reservist, and therefore by extension Racing Point and McLaren, the chances of seeing Gutiérrez, who turns 29 this Wednesday, in Grands Prix again in the near future are slim.