F1 Aerodynamic Testing Allowance Calculator
F1 Aerodynamic Testing Allowance Calculator
Formula 1 teams do not all receive the same amount of aerodynamic development time.
The FIA’s Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions give successful teams less wind-tunnel and CFD capacity, while teams further down the Constructors’ Championship receive a larger allowance.
Use the calculator below to compare two championship positions and see the difference in permitted wind-tunnel runs, wind-on time, tunnel occupancy, CFD geometries and computing allowance.
Compare F1 aerodynamic testing allowances
On A Flying Lap Calculator
F1 Aerodynamic Testing Allowance Calculator
Team A
Team B
Comparison
| Measure | Team A | Team B | Difference |
|---|
Illustrative ATR overuse estimator
This educational tool is independently produced by On A Flying Lap. It is not an official FIA, Formula 1 or team calculator and should not be treated as financial, legal or regulatory advice.
How to use the calculator
Select a Constructors’ Championship position for Team A and Team B. The calculator will show the aerodynamic testing allowance attached to each position and calculate the difference between them.
The optional overuse estimator demonstrates how exceeding a testing limit could affect a later Aerodynamic Testing Period. It is an educational illustration and does not predict the full penalty that the FIA may impose.
What the figures mean
Wind-tunnel runs refer to the number of restricted physical test runs available during an Aerodynamic Testing Period.
Wind-on time measures the permitted time spent testing above the FIA’s defined airflow threshold.
Occupancy covers the broader period during which the nominated wind tunnel is being used for restricted testing.
New CFD geometries measure how many new digital aerodynamic test geometries may be processed.
CFD compute represents the regulated computing resource available for restricted aerodynamic simulations.
Why the allowance changes
The aerodynamic testing scale is designed to make it harder for the leading team to maintain an unlimited development advantage. The Constructors’ Champion receives the smallest allowance, while teams at the bottom of the championship receive more opportunities to investigate future upgrades.
More testing does not guarantee a faster car. Teams still need accurate simulation tools, strong correlation, capable engineers, manufacturing capacity and enough cost-cap room to produce new components.
Continue learning: Read our full guide to F1 wind-tunnel rules and Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions.