Aerodynamic tests on 2026 car banned in 2024
Red Bull Content Pool
General
- Corwin Kunst
It was already in line with expectations, but on Thursday, it became offical: until 1 January 2025, Formula 1 teams are not yet allowed to test their concepts for 2026 - when the new regulations come into force - in the wind tunnel. The racing teams can only start CFD analyses from 2025 onwards.
For Red Bull Racing in particular, this could be described as a setback. Max Verstappen's team currently has a huge lead over the competition, and the Austrian racing are the favourites for the world title in 2024 as well.
Red Bull had - without this intervention by the FIA - been able to start working on the car for 2026 early in 2024 if they were to be as dominant again as they are this year. However, that is now being put on hold. A statement from the FIA said: "In order to prevent testing which aims to develop for the 2026 season, from 1/12/2023 until 1/1/2025 inclusive, RWTT [restricted wind tunnel testing] may only be carried out using a scale model that substantially complies with the 2023, 2024 or 2025 F1 technical regulations."
However, work on the engine that will be used from 2026 is allowed. Engine manufacturers are currently busy making preparations. The first power units are already partially on the test bench.
No alternative qualifying
At the same time, the FIA announced that the so-called Alternative Tyre Allocation has been scrapped. This year, there were a few qualifying tests where drivers were allowed to use fewer tyres during a race weekend and were obliged to drive on a certain compound in each qualifying section. That will not be the case in 2024.