Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has openly criticized Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen, accusing them of unsportsmanlike behavior following their controversial testing session at Imola ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.
During the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, it was revealed that Red Bull conducted a private test with Max Verstappen at Imola using the 2022 RB18 car, a move that has raised eyebrows within the Formula 1 community. The test was conducted under the regulations that permit teams to test cars that are at least two years old, a provision known as Testing of Previous Cars (TPC).
While TPC rules are designed to give junior drivers the opportunity to gain experience in contemporary F1 machinery without impacting valuable official testing sessions, Red Bull’s decision to run a mid-season test with Verstappen, who is deeply involved in the championship battle, has been met with suspicion.
Speaking to the media, including PlanetF1.com, Vasseur expressed his concerns: “This test was clearly about development. It’s unusual and, in my opinion, not in the spirit of the regulations. These tests are meant for junior drivers and not for giving additional practice to a championship contender right in the middle of the season.”
Vasseur’s remarks reflect a broader unease about Red Bull’s practices, as the team did not publicize the test, leading many to dub it a “secret” session. Although the FIA was aware of the test, the regulations do not require such tests to be made public, which has added to the controversy.
“This isn’t just about staying within the rules, it’s about maintaining the integrity and fairness of the sport,” Vasseur continued. “When a top driver is given extra time on the track under the guise of an older car test, it raises questions about the competitive balance.”
Red Bull’s use of TPC regulations has been defended as entirely legal, with no development work reportedly being carried out during the test. However, the timing and secrecy of the test have prompted other teams to scrutinize Red Bull’s interpretation of the rules.
As the Formula 1 season progresses, it remains to be seen if the FIA will address these concerns or if further scrutiny will lead to changes in how TPC tests are conducted and regulated. For now, Vasseur’s accusations add another layer of intrigue to the already intense competition between Ferrari and Red Bull.
