Sainz criticises “no logic” decision from FIA to prevent Abu Dhabi F1 test run

Outgoing McLaren Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz has criticised the FIA’s decision to reject Ferrari’s request for him to take part in the post-season Abu Dhabi test.

Next week’s one-day test at the Yas Marina Circuit which follows this weekend’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was originally intended for young drivers that have competed in no more than two grands prix.

But the decision to grant Renault permission to run two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and open the test up to drivers who did not contest a race in 2020 has irked rival teams.

Ferrari saw a request to give Sainz some mileage ahead of his 2021 rebuffed, and the Spaniard says he is yet to be provided an explanation as to why.

“There hasn't been any logic explained to me,” Sainz said. “Because first of all, I think there's very little logic behind it. And I think not many people really understand what's going on.

“Of course, I'm disappointed not being able to test, but I have to accept it, and turn the page. I will make sure I'm prepared as much as I can be for next year.

“For me as it's only one and a half days testing for each driver next year, the logical thing would have been to open a bit the hand, to some or to all of the drivers who wanted to take part in the Abu Dhabi test.

“Especially knowing it's two cars per team, to open one of the cars to at least fit the driver into a car, knowing that next year is the same chassis, and see that everything is more or less working working well - the safety aspects from the jump out test, to the to the fitting of the car itself, are obviously primarily important.

“And those are the things that thanks to the Abu Dhabi test, we would have been able to sort out and get a bit of a head start on and unfortunately, it's not happening. Obviously I'm disappointed, but nothing I can change.”

Sainz will replace Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari, with the four-time world champion also moving teams to join the rebranded Aston Martin works squad next year.

Vettel has also been prevented from testing with Racing Point and was equally baffled by the decision to ban current drivers from taking part.

“It’s not my decision to take [but] I think if you allow Fernando then basically you have to allow everyone,” he explained.

“I think the governance should take a fair decision which in this case I don’t think they did otherwise Carlos and some others and myself would have had the opportunity to test.

“I haven’t looked at the full explanation but it’s also a bit pointless because we are not allowed to test.”