Wind tunnels in F1: balancing benefits and correlation challenges

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In 2024, wind tunnels are back in the spotlight. Aston Martin is already working on its new in-house tunnel, while Red Bull aims to make theirs operational by 2026

Contrary to what one might think, building a new wind tunnel does not automatically lead to improved on-track performance. Former aerodynamicist Jean-Claude Migeot, who has worked in Formula 1 and in wind tunnel development, explains that the process is much more complicated than it seems.

"There are no immediate benefits," he states. "After construction, the tunnel must be fine-tuned and calibrated, a process that can take months and is essential to ensure that the data collected is accurate and reliable."

Tunnels and Correlation
One frequently mentioned aspect is "correlation," or the ability to compare data from the tunnel with that obtained on the track. For example, if a new component tested in the tunnel promises significant gains in downforce, it may not behave the same way once mounted on the car. This year, some teams, including Ferrari and Aston Martin, saw their updates worsen car performance instead of improving it, confirming the difficulty of achieving perfect correlation.

Jean-Claude Migeot emphasizes that, although it is impossible to replicate exact track conditions in the tunnel, the important thing is that the difference between lab data and real data remains constant over time. "There will never be a perfect match, but if the improvements achieved in the tunnel correspond to an improvement on track, a lot of time is saved," he explains.

The wind tunnel optimization process is long and full of obstacles, complicated by variables that are hard to replicate in the lab, such as temperature and tire condition. Over time, data makes the system more accurate, but it doesn't take much to disrupt it. Any change in conditions, such as a tire update or a regulatory change, forces technicians to reprocess the data already in hand.

In short, building a new wind tunnel is not enough to achieve immediate results. It is a complex process that requires time, patience, and careful work on calibration and correlation. Thus, it is only over time that teams will be able to gain the much-anticipated advantages.

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