Fernando Alonso to take part in F1 'young driver' test...aged 39

Spain's Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula One champion, has been given special dispensation to take part in a post-season testing day intended for young drivers. The 39-year-old will make his comeback to the grid next year with Renault.

Twice Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has been given special dispensation to take part in a post-season test intended for young drivers.

Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul thanked the governing FIA on Thursday for allowing it "in recognition of our commitment to young drivers throughout junior motorsport and to Fernando’s own dedication to furthering the careers of young talents."

Alonso will make a comeback with Renault next year at the age of 39.

Bahrain Grand Prix

Hamilton describes shock Ferrari move as 'hardest decision I've ever had to make'

23/02/2024 at 15:35

But the Spaniard's participation in the December 15 test in Abu Dhabi will not sit well with Racing Point and McLaren, who have Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo joining next year and only three days of pre-season testing.

Other experienced F1 drivers like Switzerland's Sebastian Buemi and Poland's Robert Kubica are also set to test for Red Bull and Alfa Romeo respectively, but neither will be racing next year.

Other drivers, however, have been less than impressed by the decision. Lando Norris, who turned 21 last month, told Reuters that was unfair and "a bit of a joke".

"He’s double my age pretty much so that must make me extremely young," he said.

"It’s fairly obvious Fernando’s not a young driver. It’s not like he’s only done one or two races... and he’s been doing countless tests already this year in Formula One cars. So I don’t get it.

"I don’t get why they’ve changed the rules just for him. I think it’s quite silly and it shouldn’t be allowed."

Norris said it was unfair for young drivers missing out on an opportunity and for others who are changing teams and are not allowed to take part.

Ricciardo, however, made light of the situation.

"I think Fernando has been maintaining a lot of health and fitness. He looks in pretty good shape and pretty young. I think to the naked eye he certainly passes as a young driver," he quipped.

Alonso, who has been out of Formula One since he left McLaren in 2018, will drive the team's 2020 car alongside Chinese Formula Two racer and test driver Guanyu Zhou.

Rules limit participation in the test, which comes two days after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, to drivers who have not driven in more than two Formula One races unless allowed to by the FIA.

Alonso, a 32-times race winner who has competed in the Dakar Rally, Indianapolis 500 and twice won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has started 311 grands prix.

Fernando Alonso flips car on dunes, forces windscreen removal

The Spaniard, who won both his titles with Renault and is set to replace Ricciardo, drove the team's current RS20 car in a 'filming day' in Barcelona in October.

He has also tested the team's 2018 car in preparation for his return.

Formula 1

Verstappen says Hamilton could face 'awkward, weird' last season with Mercedes

15/02/2024 at 23:54

Formula 1

'It is very surreal' - Hamilton reflects on Mercedes career ahead of Ferrari switch

00:00:54

|

14/02/2024 at 17:31

Season 2024

'Emotional' Hamilton determined for success ahead of Ferrari move as Mercedes launch new car

14/02/2024 at 17:32