Since 2019, the FIA has imposed wind tunnel restrictions to stop well-funded teams from overspending on aerodynamics and gaining an unfair advantage. The goal is to cap the time teams can test aero concepts, promote more efficient development, and narrow the gap between top and smaller teams.

In effect, teams that finished higher in the previous year’s Constructors’ Championship receive fewer wind tunnel hours, while lower-ranked teams are granted more.

In this context, just as an example, Ferrari’s poor season, which ended with fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, could potentially give the Italian team an edge over McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes, allowing them to spend more time in the wind tunnel.

Having clinched the Constructors’ Championship with several races to spare, McLaren will have access to only 70% of the available wind tunnel hours next year, with all other teams receiving 5% more for each lower position in the standings.

The teams set to benefit most from this rule are Alpine and the two new entries, Audi and Cadillac. Alpine, having finished last this year, will be allowed to use a full 115% of the wind tunnel hours.

The two newcomers, Audi (which inherits the exiting Sauber team) and Cadillac, will enjoy the exact same allocation of hours.