P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull’s slump to third in the constructors’ championship in 2024 has a silver lining in the increase in windtunnel and CFD testing resources for the first six months of next year
Red Bull’s drop to third place in the 2024 constructors’ championship resulted in a silver lining – an increase in windtunnel and CFD testing resources for the first six months of the following year due to Formula 1’s aerodynamic testing regulations (ATR). The ATR, implemented in 2021, limits aerodynamic testing based on championship position, with the idea that less competitive teams can do more testing to improve. The ATR divides the year into six periods, with differing allowances for windtunnel runs and CFD items based on constructors’ position changing every six months, as outlined in the F1 sporting regulations. Red Bull’s decrease from first to third place in 2024 led to an increase in testing limits for the team for the first half of the next season, providing incentives for lower-ranked teams to improve their aerodynamic development. McLaren and Alpine also experienced changes in their aerodynamic testing allowances based on their championship positions, highlighting the importance of efficient aerodynamic development strategies beyond just increased testing resources.
