A few years ago, Formula 1 introduced a restriction on working with cars in the wind tunnel. Wind tunnel testing is crucial as it allows the car to be further developed throughout the season.
In an effort to create a level playing field for all and help those behind to catch up with the leaders, the FIA began taking positions in the Constructors’ Championship into account in 2021 with limited time in the wind tunnel. The higher a team finishes the season, the less time it will have to work in the pipeline. From July 1, the handicap scale will change in accordance with the teams’ current position in the Constructors’ Championship.
Considering Red Bull Racing has won the Constructors’ Championship for the past two years, 2024 will be the team’s least time in the wind tunnel. Haas, which finished last season, will be able to work 540 more hours in the tube than the championship team.
Operating time of the wind tunnel in 2024
| Team | Wind tunnel operating time (hours) |
| Red Bull | 840 |
| Mercedes | 900 |
| Ferrari | 960 |
| McLaren | 1020 |
| Aston Martin | 1080 |
| Alps | 1140 |
| Williams | 1200 |
| Visa RB | 1260 |
| Bet F1 | 1320 |
| Hare | 1380 |
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
