See how much time F1 teams get to spend in the wind tunnel here!
McLaren is facing a setback in the development race due to having the smallest wind tunnel time allocation under the new power unit regulations, following their success last year. The FIA conducts biannual assessments to determine wind tunnel allocations and CFD simulations based on teams’ constructors’ championship positions. McLaren, as the reigning champions, will receive the most limited testing allowance, while the team at the bottom of the standings will have the most development opportunities. The testing allocations for the first half of 2026 are determined using the final 2025 constructors’ standings. McLaren’s championship victory has led to a reduction in their testing allocation to 70% of the baseline figure, allowing for 224 wind tunnel runs and 1,400 computer simulations. Red Bull, finishing third in 2025, will receive 256 wind tunnel runs and 1,600 computer simulations. The aim of these restrictions is to level the playing field across the grid over time, despite potential initial disparities in performance.
