In the round-up: World champion Max Verstappen says that Red Bull will use its restricted aerodynamic testing time for next season as “extra motivation”.
In brief
Red Bull aero test restriction “extra motivation” for 2023 – Verstappen
The penalty Red Bull received for exceeding the budget cap in 2021 will give the team “extra motivation” to keep winning next year, says Max Verstappen.
Red Bull will lose 10% of their allocated wind tunnel and CFD testing time under the regulations in 2023 – in addition to their $7 million fine – after they agreed to a punishment offered by the FIA over their breach of the Financial Regulations. Verstappen says Red Bull, who have won this year’s constructors’ championship, will not be deterred by the disadvantage.
“It will affect us, but how much, I don’t know yet,” Verstappen said. “But I am confident that the team and the people we have, they can use that as extra motivation to try and do even better.
“I know, of course, they always give their best. We have a very competitive car, we have a lot of great ideas, I think, already for next year as well with the car. And hopefully it’s going to be enough.”
Missing second practice only a concern if it rains – Albon
Alexander Albon says missing second practice to allow future team mate Logan Sargeant to drive his car in his place will only be a concern if it rains.
Albon will drive in the first practice session and qualify on Friday, before handing his car over to Sargeant for the second and final practice session on Saturday morning. Despite missing out on an hour of track time, Albon says he would rather miss second practice than the opening session.
“For sure it will have a small effect,” Albon said. “It’s better to lose FP2 here than FP1, just the way that qualifying is obviously on the Friday. I think, generally speaking, it should be fine.
“The main concern is obviously if it’s wet on Saturday and it’s dry on Friday – then there might be a bit of learning to do in the sprint race. But that’ll be some fun.”
Gasly aiming to drive Alpine in post-season test
Pierre Gasly says that he and Alpine are working to allow for him to drive the team’s car in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi after next weekend’s grand prix.
A two-day test will be held at the Yas Marina circuit on the Tuesday and Wednesday after the test. Only so-called ‘young drivers’ will be allowed to driver for one of the two days, while teams are permitted to…
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