Ferrari hints at loophole in F1's 2026 wind tunnel rules

As Formula 1 prepares for its change in technical regulations for the 2026 season, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has identified a potential loophole that could give some teams a significant edge in the development race.

The 2026 regulations overhaul

The introduction of revamped turbo hybrid engines with increased battery power, coupled with all-new aerodynamic rules, will usher in a watershed moment for the sport.

This impending rules revolution means teams are already reluctant to commit major resources to next year's cars, preferring to focus their efforts on the 2026 challengers.

The wind tunnel advantage

A key part of this development process will be the aerodynamic testing restrictions, known as the Aerodynamic Testing Restriction (ATR).

This sliding scale system allocates wind tunnel and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) time based on the team's position in the constructors' championship.

Ferrari's potential exploitation

Vasseur believes that some teams may be tempted to "write off" the 2025 season in order to maximize their wind tunnel and CFD allowance for the 2026 regulations.

"If you are fighting for something, you will have the temptation to do more for '25 plus, [and] on the top [of that], the other teams already have more, because they are Px compared to P1 in the table,"

he explained.

The mid-season reset advantage

The potential game-changer, according to Vasseur, is the mid-season reset of the ATR allocations.

"The mid-season reset could be what teams may target, as being lower down halfway through the season could maximise wind tunnel testing for the rest of the year ahead of 2026,"

he noted.

Implications for the 2025 season

This strategic approach could have significant ramifications for the 2025 campaign, as teams prioritize their long-term 2026 prospects over immediate performance. Vasseur acknowledged that

"the Px will be fully focused on '26 but the P1 will be split [across the two seasons]."