The one-day race, which takes place on Tuesday after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, was originally intended only for young drivers.
The rules surrounding the test stated that it would only be open to drivers who had not participated in more than two Grand Prix “unless otherwise approved by the FIA”.
Renault used this exemption potential to successfully advertise with the racing umbrella organization to lead Fernando Alonso, who is returning to F1 after two seasons.
The FIA accepted that Alonso should be given special permission because of his long absence. It was clarified that drivers who did not drive in 2020 are allowed to take the test, even if they have competed in more than two Grand Prix in their career.
This attitude opened the door for Alonso to the test, with Red Bull also competing with former Grand Prix driver Sebastian Buemi.
As this exemption was granted and a number of rival teams were dissatisfied with the situation, there was a new impulse from other teams who will have new drivers to drive them next year.
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Ferrari in particular was unhappy that Alonso was able to compete in a test for young drivers and asked for permission for Sainz to take part.
Team boss Mattia Binotto said at the Sakhir Grand Prix that he had contacted the FIA to request that drivers who change teams – such as Sainz – may also take part.
“I think it’s quite a mess and certainly we think Ferrari is wrong, contrary to the fact that Fernando is testing in Abu Dhabi,” said Binotto.
“We made that clear with the FIA in the various advisory bodies.
“But after hearing the decision, we asked the FIA for permission for Carlos. We discussed it this weekend, but we have no feedback. “
With a number of teams also asking for clarification on this matter, Motorsport.com understands that F1 Race Director Michael Masi sent the teams a message on Tuesday informing them that the test restrictions will not be changed.
Masi made it clear that the FIA’s stance was that drivers who had competed in more than two Grand Prix would only be admitted to the test if they had not competed in any F1 races in the 2020 season. ‘
The decision will be a nuisance for Ferrari, which was keen to get Sainz to get some initial experience with its cars and systems ahead of next season’s pre-season tests. The only option now is to give Sainz a private test in a 2018 F1 car early next year.
The two-race limitation means Williams’s Jack Aitken can continue to compete in the Abu Dhabi test, even if he makes his second start for the Grove team in the season finale.
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