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Eight teams look forward to decreasing the use of wind tunnels from 2026 onwards'.

Eight teams look forward to decreasing the use of wind tunnels from 2026 onwards'.

10-06-2021 16:34 Last update: 23:06
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GPblog.com

The wind tunnels are already a lot less in use as of this year, but there seems to be some more change coming. According to F1 Insider there will be a ban on wind tunnels in Formula 1. According to their own sources, at least eight teams are in favour of a ban on wind tunnels.

There are several reasons why these eight teams are in favour of banning wind tunnels. Firstly, it would be better for the environment. An engine block, for example, is much less harmful to the environment than a wind tunnel.

Still, the costs seem to be the main reason. The electrical costs alone are enormous. Then there are the wind tunnels themselves, the scale models, and the use of the wind tunnels is also very expensive. So it could reduce costs enormously, not only for the teams at the back but also for the midfield and the teams right behind Mercedes and Red Bull. Even for Red Bull, it could be a great way to cut costs in view of the budget cap.

Decrease from 2026, in 2030 say goodbye to wind tunnels

According to the teams in favour of changing the wind tunnel rules, there should be a transition period first. This should happen between 2026 and 2030. Logically, the use of wind tunnels should be reduced step by step, until the zero point is reached. The use of wind tunnels has already been reduced drastically, especially for the teams at the top of the order. So eight teams want F1 to stop using them altogether by the end of 2030.