Alonso: F1 Drivers Deserve More Winter Testing in Bahrain

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso has expressed his displeasure with the current format of Formula 1’s pre-season testing, saying it is “unfair” to only test drivers for a day and a half in Bahrain. The move from two four-day tests in Barcelona to a three-day test in Bahrain is aimed at increasing team efficiency and reducing costs.

However, Alonso believes that such concentrated test time is not enough to fully prepare the driver for the World Championship. “I’ve been thinking about it all winter, how unfair it is that we only have a day and a half to prepare for the World Cup,” he said. He questioned the uniqueness of Formula 1’s approach, emphasizing the huge investment in the sport and the involvement of fans.

The Spanish driver has developed an alternative approach, suggesting that the test days be split between the drivers. “If you go to three days and it’s not even, it’s odd, you can’t distribute it to the drivers,” commented Alonso. He also questioned why the team did not use two cars in testing, given that they are already in Bahrain and will race next week.

Alonso’s views echo those of other drivers, including Mercedes’ George Russell, who has previously advocated the use of two cars in winter testing. Russell compared the current format to other sports, highlighting the difference in preparation time for Formula 1 drivers.

“Personally, I don’t think three days is enough because you have to remember that from a pilot’s point of view it takes a day and a half as a pilot,” Russell revealed. He drew the analogy of a tennis match, emphasizing the impracticality of such limited preparation, and suggested that two cars over three days would be a more balanced approach.

During discussions about Formula 1’s testing format, drivers such as Alonso and Russell have stressed the importance of giving rivals enough preparation time in a sport known for its complexity and technical demands. It remains to be seen whether the F1 authorities will consider making changes to address these issues as the season approaches.