See time table in the wind tunnel of F1 teams for the first half of 2026

Publicado em 18 de dezembro de 2025

Fórmula 1 - X/F1

Fórmula 1 has set the time allocation in the wind tunnel and CFD simulations for the first half of 2026. The system aims to balance competition by granting more aerodynamic resources to the worst positioned teams.

With the arrival of Cadillac as the 11th team and major regulatory changes, including active aerodynamics and new power units, early development gains crucial importance. The allocation covers the period from January 1 to June 30, 2026.

The rule establishes 100% as a basis for seventh place, equivalent to 320 runs in the tunnel, 80 hours of wind on and 2,000 hours of CFD. The percentage varies by 5% up or down by position, with newcomers or last place receiving the maximum of 115%.

Allocation calculation rules

The aerodynamic restrictions system has existed since 2021 to promote balance on the grid.

The fixed base at 320 runs represents 100% for the team in seventh position.
Champion receives 70%, with a 5% reduction for position above.
Teams below earn a 5% increase per position.
New entries, such as Cadillac, and teams that inherit low positions, such as Audi via Sauber, match the last placed team.

This logic applies every six months, with a review in July based on the classification up to June.

👉 Este is the breakdown of the use of the wind tunnel that each team will have until June 30, 2026.

👉 Aston Martin will have a significant advantage over its competitors.

At the beginning of the new regulation, we will see developments in excess of half a second, and have…pic.twitter.com/IAjq8YsYfl
— Aston Martin F1 Brasil 🇧🇷 (@AstonMartinBRF1)December 14, 2025

Full distribution for the initial semester

The table reflects the 2025 final order, with McLaren at the top and Alpine at the bottom.

McLaren: 70% (224 races, 56 hours on, 1,400 CFD)
Mercedes: 75% (240 races, 60 hours on, 1,500 CFD)
Red Bull: 80% (256 runs, 64 hours on, 1,600 CFD)
Ferrari: 85% (272 races, 68 hours on, 1,700 CFD)
Williams: 90% (288 races, 72 hours on, 1,800 CFD)
Racing Bulls: 95% (304 races, 76 hours on, 1,900 CFD)
Aston Martin: 100% (320 races, 80 hours on, 2,000 CFD)
Haas: 105% (336 races, 84 hours on, 2,100 CFD)
Audi (ex-Sauber): 110% (352 races, 88 hours on, 2,200 CFD)
Alpine: 115% (368 runs, 92 hours on, 2,300 CFD)
Cadillac: 115% (368 races, 92 hours on, 2,300 CFD)

Advantages for teams at the bottom of the grid

Alpine, Haas and Audi benefit from weak performance in 2025.

They rely on significant overtime to make up ground. Cadillac, a newcomer, receives the same treatment as the last placed team, allowing the project to accelerate.

Teams like McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull face greater limitations after high positions. Elas need to optimize resources amid regulatory transition.

Impact of new technical rules

2026 introduces active aerodynamics and equal power split between combustion and electric.

Cars become smaller and lighter.
Aerodynamic development requires intense testing in the first few months.
Teams with more allocation gain an initial advantage in adaptation.

The biannual review allows adjustments based on performance on the track.

Preparation of newcomers to the expanded grid

The Cadillac advances with tests in external facilities and an initial partnership with the Ferrari engine.

The Audi inherits structure from the Sauber, including its own tunnel. Ambas is equivalent to Alpine in terms of resources, facilitating integration into the grid of 11 teams.

Other teams invest in their own infrastructure, such as new tunnels at Aston Martin and Red Bull.