Red Bull's private test with Verstappen raises questions about TPC regulations

Red Bull Racing's recent private test session with Max Verstappen at Imola has sparked discussions within the Formula 1 paddock about the nature and purpose of Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations.

The test, conducted just before the Spanish Grand Prix, has caught the attention of rival teams, particularly Ferrari.

Test details and regulatory framework

Red Bull utilized their 2022 car, the RB18, for the test, adhering to TPC regulations that permit teams to run cars at least two years old in specifications used during that season.

These tests typically employ Pirelli-designed tyres specifically for such outings.

While TPC is often used to give junior drivers experience in F1 machinery, Red Bull's decision to put their lead driver, Verstappen, behind the wheel mid-season has raised eyebrows.

Ferrari's perspective

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur expressed his thoughts on the test, stating

"It's clearly about development."

Vasseur, while not complaining about Red Bull's actions, suggested that the regulations might need tightening to differentiate between tests involving current drivers and those for junior drivers.

"I think, if we have to police it, we will have to split the two aspects – the day we are doing with our drivers and the days that we are doing with the non-racing drivers,"

Vasseur elaborated.

Red Bull's explanation

Red Bull's chief engineer Paul Monaghan provided insight into the test's purpose.

He explained that it gave Verstappen a reference point to compare the handling characteristics of the previous car with the current RB20, particularly in relation to the team's ongoing struggles with riding kerbs.

"We really tried to give Max a reference from a previous car,"

Monaghan stated.

"When you're trying to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a current car, his reference is the current car, and it's 'in previous years, we've had this, we've had that'."

Implications for car development

The test data will allow Red Bull to better understand their current car's performance relative to its predecessor.

Paul Monaghan emphasized that this comparison helps the team validate Verstappen's feedback and assess areas for improvement.

"[We can] look in the data, see if it's valid to say we're better or worse than some people, what's his perception, why is he saying it? And then what on earth do we do about it?"

Monaghan explained.