Motorsport News: Russell Advocates for Points-Based Wind Tunnel Time Allocation in Formula 1
(Motorsport News) – In a statement ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix in June, George Russell, the Mercedes driver, has expressed his belief that the Formula 1 wind tunnel time allocation system should be based on the points scored by each team rather than their final position in the Constructors’ standings.
Under the current system, teams that finish lower in the Constructors’ championship are allotted a greater amount of wind tunnel time for the first six months of the following season, with the allocation decreasing in 5% intervals until reaching the reigning champions, Red Bull, at 70%. Russell argues that this approach does not accurately reflect the performance gap between the teams.
“I think the wind tunnel thing is really good, but it’s based on positions at the moment rather than points you’ve got,” Russell said. “Red Bull have been double the amount of points than the second-place team in the Constructors’, and they give the same difference in wind tunnel reduction as second or third give the wind tunnel as Mercedes to Ferrari last year, where there was only a three-point difference.”
Russell’s suggestion is that basing the wind tunnel time allocation on the number of points scored, rather than the final Constructors’ position, would allow the teams that are further behind to catch up more quickly. This could help to tighten the Formula 1 field, which has seen six different winners across four teams in the 2024 season, raising concerns that the incoming 2026 regulations could once again shake up the competitive order.
Lewis Hamilton, Russell’s Mercedes teammate, also weighed in on the matter, pondering whether there could be other ways to help the struggling teams improve at a faster rate during a new rule cycle, beyond the current wind tunnel time allocation system.
“Obviously, we have teams further at the back have more wind tunnel time, but it’s – I don’t know what the solution is – but is there a way of somehow helping the ones further back level off earlier so it’s not towards the end of a design era,” Hamilton said.
As Formula 1 continues to evolve, the debate around the fairness and effectiveness of the wind tunnel time allocation system is likely to remain a topic of discussion among teams, drivers, and fans alike. The sport’s governing body will need to carefully consider any potential changes to ensure a level playing field and maintain the competitive excitement that has characterized the 2024 season.
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