McLaren: Neale astonished by possible relaxation of private testing limitations

Established since 2009, the season from which Formula 1 teams, acknowledging a delicate economic context that could threaten the sustainability of the discipline, decided to limit private tests, the ban on in-season testing could be challenged, driven by some teams, with Ferrari at the forefront. A decision could be made very soon.

Jonathan Neale, managing director of McLaren, spoke at length on this issue and took note of the ambitions of certain teams: « Formula 1 seems to be on the verge of testing its commitment to different types of tests again, » he told the press on Tuesday. « We will see tomorrow (Wednesday, editor’s note), when there will be a vote on the subject, but I currently think there are four teams in favor of additional testing. Clearly, if you already have a track in your backyard and have the computer equipment [on site], you want to open the doors and push the driver towards the track. » A reference, notably, to Ferrari which owns the Fiorano track or to Red Bull which owns the Osterreichring.

« For years, teams have developed technology and cost-effective methods that have allowed them to move beyond reliance on track testing and depend more on computer simulations and, sometimes, simulators. […] A simulator is a very valuable tool, but there are a whole host of other simulations that go along with it that allow you to work on what happens on the circuit, » the Briton continues.

Jonathan Neale wants to remind us of the genesis of such a limitation: « Formula 1 is currently questioning itself [about this issue], and there are people pushing hard for the reintroduction of on-track testing. I find it slightly curious because there were good reasons for us – the pre-financial crisis and Lehmann Brothers – to impose cost constraints to stabilize the discipline and ensure the good health of new teams. » The managing director of McLaren adds: « There were a myriad of extensive solutions to do this, such as setting budgets, and a number of teams were tempted to come to F1 based on our work on a sustainable formula. Thus, we had partnerships between big and small teams, a reduction in wind tunnel testing, resource restriction agreements (RRA, editor’s note), and an intention to reduce private testing. »

« However, from certain perspectives, there is a strong push for the reintroduction of private testing, and I don’t see anything different in the context—the economic environment is still precarious—that would lead us to resume private testing, » he confesses before delving into detailed figures: « I would be very surprised if a team could conduct a day of private testing for less than a range between 80,000 and 120,000 euros in Europe. Once you have the cars, flights, and personnel, it’s of that order. »

When questioned about one of the reasons that could justify the return of in-season testing – better learning for young drivers who lack track time –, Jonathan Neale positions himself differently: Just add an additional session on Friday morning and say that it’s your testing session for young drivers. You can have everything you need for young drivers, for the media, and a bit of circuit advice and engineering know-how without having to do private testing. Especially since with the morning sessions, F1 can do more for young drivers. The infrastructure is there, the circuit is there, and the first 45 minutes of most FP1 sessions are characterized by an installation lap followed by a long wait. There is time during which young drivers could be on track. I know some teams do it, but if we want to do more for young drivers, we need to make it more interesting.