P1racenews AI automatic summary:
New year, new opportunities! The development battle in pursuit of Red Bull continues. McLaren seems to have the best on paper, but big strides like last year will be harder to make. Which teams are going forwards or backwards?
Formula 1 has implemented a handicap system starting from the 2022 season, specifically in aero testing, to level the playing field among teams. The most successful teams face restrictions in developing their cars outside of race weekends, known as Aero-dynamic Test Restrictions (ATRs). This includes limitations on wind tunnel usage and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The purpose is to promote greater competition on the track, as teams lower in the championship have more time to develop their cars. Under the ATR rules, during six periods of eight weeks, the top team in the Constructors’ Championship can only use 70% of the wind tunnel hours and simulations, while the tenth team can utilize up to 115%. The distribution of hours and simulations is determined based on the final standings of the previous season’s championship. Red Bull, as the champions, receives the smallest allocation, while other teams see changes in their allowances based on their performance. Overall, the new rules aim to create a fairer and more competitive environment in Formula 1.
