Formula 1: McLaren to run additional young driver testing: McLaren CEO Zak Brown says the team will take full advantage of the opportunity to run their 2021 car with non-formula 1 drivers this year. It will only happen to assess their prospects and how well they do in a Formula 1 car. Follow Formula 1 updates on InsideSport.IN.
Zak said, “In F1, for the first time in a while, because of the big rule change, you’re allowed to test last year’s car. So we want to have a test program like we used to have in the past.”
Formula 1: McLaren to run additional young driver testing to access their next-gen after new rule change – Check Out
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“We have to put someone in for two free practice sessions by the F1 rules. But we haven’t decided who to put in. But O’Ward is certainly a candidate.”
It’s due to the massive regulation changes which take place this season. F1 has relaxed the rules where drivers are allowed to test in cars that are two years old on non-race weekends. McLaren will make full use of this opportunity to run the MCL35 this season. Although they have not yet decided who to put in the seat this year.
Brown said that Pato O’Ward is in the running to take up free practice slots this year. But Zak wants to expand the available testing for his drivers. O’Ward earned his chance to drive in a Formula 1 car.
Formula 1: McLaren to run additional young driver testing to access their next-gen after new rule change – Check Out
He had betted with Zak that if he wins an IndyCar race in 2021, then he can race in a Formula 1 car. But, Brown wants to see the drivers’ credentials if they have to take place of one of their current drivers. This could also lead to a seat for them in the upcoming future.
365 laps later and that’s the end of #F1Testing in Barcelona. 🇪🇸
They’re fresh out the car with helmet hair but they’re always happy to talk to you, the fans! #FansLikeNoOther 🧡 pic.twitter.com/XGbgO1wMHX
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 25, 2022
Brown added, “When and if someone goes into F1, it’s going to be more about what they do in the F1 car. So that’s why we need to test. It’s not necessarily about winning here in IndyCar. It would be about the F1 testing, comparing them to Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo and other drivers.”
“That would be the driver of whoever we’d put in our F1 car whenever a seat became available. Winning the championship here won’t mean you’ll adapt to F1. Just like not winning the championship here doesn’t mean you won’t adapt. And that’s why we’ve got this test program going.”
Formula 1: McLaren to run additional young driver testing to access their next-gen after new rule change – Check Out
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