Sebastian Vettel Criticizes ‘Unfair’ FIA for Letting Alonso Take Part in Abu Dhabi Test

The rules of the young driver’s test, set to take place in Abu Dhabi, states that only drivers with experience of less than two F1 Grand Prix weekends are allowed to take part. However, recently, following Renault’s request, FIA tweaked their rules in favor of Fernando Alonso, which left Sebastian Vettel rather unhappy.

The German, who is all set for the switch to Racing Point/Aston Martin, criticized the FIA for being unfair to the other teams. During an interview in Abu Dhabi, Vettel opened up on the FIA allowing Alonso to take part in the post-season test.

“It’s not my decision to take. I think if you allow Fernando, then basically you have to allow everyone,” Vettel said.

Renault put forward the request months back, despite facing an uproar from the rival teams. However, Renault was quite confident that FIA would understand their situation. In the end, the future turned out exactly the way they desired.

Renault gave their utmost effort in handing Alonso with as many opportunities as possible before the pre-season testing in Barcelona early next year.

Sebastian Vettel believes it is ‘pointless’ watching FIA’s explanation

The German sounded rather disappointed with the FIA’s decision, as a fair decision could have handed him the opportunity to test Racing Point’s car. He said, “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.”

It wasn’t just Vettel, but his successor at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, too termed the FIA’s decision as unfair. He felt that it made no sense.

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

It is understandable the rival teams are feeling the pressure. Alonso could be a potential threat to the mid-field teams. Hence, the fact that he gets enough time behind the wheel might just give Renault an edge over others.

Apart from Alonso returning to form, Renault could also use the testing as an opportunity to retrieve data for development.

Hence, will the FIA go forward with their decision? Or will they feel the heat from the teams, and ultimately hand other experienced drivers the permission to take part in the test as well?