Red Bull Racing Shifts Focus to Next Year’s F1 Machine Amid Wind Tunnel Disparity
In a bid to overcome the significant difference in wind tunnel test time with their Formula 1 rivals, Red Bull Racing has been compelled to divert their attention towards the development of the RB20, slated for the 2024 season. Their recent triumph at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen secured victory, marked the team’s unprecedented 12th consecutive win, establishing a new milestone in F1 history.
Historical Precedent: McLaren-Honda’s Impressive Streak
For the motorsport enthusiasts, the remarkable winning streak achieved by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost of McLaren-Honda during the 1988 season remains etched in memory. Heralded as champions for eleven races in a row, their dominance eventually met its match with a defeat in the Italian Grand Prix.
Steadfast Pursuit of Performance Upgrades
Looking to maintain their winning momentum in the championship, Red Bull Racing made substantial modifications to their car, specifically focusing on enhancing sidepod and flooring functionalities. These alterations represent the most significant upgrades the team has implemented so far this season. However, Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, expressed the need for prudent planning in allocating wind tunnel development resources, acknowledging that this recent upgrade could potentially mark the final performance enhancement for this year. Horner acknowledged the successful implementation of the upgrade, stating, “They fulfilled their promises outlined beforehand, thus ticking an essential box. Now, in the face of our disadvantage, our attention must shift to the upcoming year. Our wind tunnel time pales significantly in comparison to our competitors, necessitating meticulous deliberation in its utilization.”
Disparity in Resource Allocation
As the mid-season point arrives, Red Bull Racing finds themselves leading the championship; however, their allotted wind tunnel time stands at a mere 70% of the base allocation. In contrast, Mercedes and Aston Martin enjoy 75% and 80% respectively, with Ferrari leading the pack at 85%. A rather intriguing twist reveals itself as McLaren, initially struggling this season and languishing in sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship during the cutoff points, receives a staggering 95% allocation. Furthermore, Red Bull Racing must bear an additional 10% reduction in allocation, owing to penalties incurred from breaching the cost cap regulation in the previous year.
The Cumulative Impact
Christian Horner shed light on the cumulative consequences of these factors, emphasizing the noticeable disparity between Red Bull Racing and their rivals. He disclosed, “Due to the cost cap penalties, we are significantly lagging behind second and third place, particularly in terms of our weekly operational capacity. When comparing our wind tunnel mileage with that of McLaren, the gap is considerable. Therefore, we must exercise extreme selectivity in our operations.” Despite these challenges, Horner acknowledged the outstanding efforts of the engineering team in Milton Keynes, commending their ability to develop the car efficiently and effectively.
Looking Ahead: Circuit-Specific Adjustments
Horner provided insight into the future plans, assuring that although some circuit-specific adjustments might surface, they would primarily focus on previously researched and developed strategies. “We have already explored and devised solutions for most scenarios,” added Horner.
Red Bull Racing says it has been forced to focus on the 2024 F1 “RB20” machine due to the “big difference” in wind tunnel test time with F1 rivals. Max Verstappen won the Hungarian Grand Prix, making it the team’s first 12 wins in a row, and rewriting F1 history from Red Bull Racing.
McLaren-Honda’s 11-game winning streak continued in 1988 with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost until they lost that year’s Italian Grand Prix. Red Bull Racing’s Hungarian Grand Prix was aided by sidepod and flooring upgrades, the biggest modifications it has made so far this season. However, Red Bull Racing F1 team principal Christian Horner said the development could be the last performance update of the year as the team needs to carefully plan how to allocate its wind tunnel development towards the RB20. Horner said of the upgrade: “They did what they promised beforehand. So, from that point of view, it was kind of ticking a box. “And now we have a disadvantage, so we have to shift our focus to next year. We are significantly short on wind tunnel time compared to our competitors, so we have to be very careful about how we use that time. ” Less time available for both. Red Bull, the championship leaders at the mid-season cut-off point, only got 70% of their base allocation. This contrasts with Mercedes at 75%, Aston Martin at 80% and Ferrari at 85%. But what’s more interesting is that McLaren failed to get off to a good start this season, sinking to sixth in the Constructors’ Championship at the cut-off points. That means we got 95% thanks to that. Red Bull also faces a further 10% cut after being penalized for breaching its cost cap last year. Horner explains that everything adds up, that the difference to the competition is obvious. “Because of the penalties[cap cost]until October this year, we are significantly behind second and third place, especially in terms of the number of operations we can do per week,” said Horner. “Compared to the teams in fourth and fifth, we are very low. If you compare how many miles McLaren can do in the wind tunnel with us, the gap is huge. “So of course we have to be very selective in our operations. That’s why the Milton Keynes engineering team do an amazing job of developing the car effectively and efficiently. “He said it will be a circuit-specific item as an item. “There will be some track-specific ones, but nothing that hasn’t already been researched and developed,” added Horner.
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