Controversial Max Verstappen Red Bull test would be banned under brand-new F1 rule

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F1 teams have decided to impose restrictions on TPC (testing previous cars) programmes for the 2027 season.

During a meeting of the F1 Commission on Tuesday, it was decided that teams won’t be allowed to carry out TPC running at tracks scheduled to host a Grand Prix in the near future.

The rule changes still need to be ratified by the World Motor Sport Council. There has also been a change of plans for pre-season testing, with the 2027 schedule expanded from three days to four.

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Max Verstappen’s ‘development’ test wouldn’t be allowed under new TPC rules

An FIA statement says there will be ‘limitations on conducting testing at circuits due to hold a race in the subsequent year’s championship’.

Back in June 2024, Max Verstappen and Red Bull tested the RB18 at Imola, a venue that featured on the 2025 calendar.

On the face of it, this is common practice. For instance, in January last year, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc carried out TPC running in Barcelona (the venue for the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix in late May) as part of their pre-season preparations.

However, Verstappen’s test was somewhat controversial because F1 has tried to ban in-season development testing to control costs. TPC programmes are designed to benefit young drivers.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said at the time, via The Race, that Verstappen’s test was ‘clearly development’, though he acknowledged that it was within the rules. Red Bull trialled solutions to their long-running ride-quality issues.

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With the proposed 2027 clampdown, teams are trying to ensure that the TPC mechanism primarily serves its original purpose and can’t be manipulated.

Based on the FIA’s statement, the Red Bull test would be banned under the new rules. They could theoretically have moved it to a non-F1 track – Ferrari have recently tested at Mugello in Italy – but this doesn’t offer the same sporting advantage.