P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The final race of the 2023 season decided several constructors’ championship battles that will have an impact on the crucial aerodynamic testing allowances for early 2024
The final race of the 2023 Formula 1 season had a significant impact on the constructors’ championship battles, particularly in terms of aerodynamic testing allowances. Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, and Haas emerged as the biggest winners, while McLaren, Williams, and AlphaTauri were the main losers. The aerodynamic testing regulations (ATR) set the number of wind tunnel runs and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) items that teams can complete, based on their championship position. Lower-ranked teams have more testing opportunities compared to higher-ranked ones, which affects their development rates. The ATR mechanism, introduced in 2021, is designed to level the playing field and is reset every six months. Aston Martin, who finished third mid-season but slipped to fifth by the end, will have an increase in wind tunnel runs and CFD items. Alfa Romeo, Haas, and Alpine also gained in testing allowances, while McLaren, Williams, and AlphaTauri experienced reductions. Additionally, there are additional restrictions on wind tunnel and CFD testing, including limits on time and computing resources used.
