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Karun Chandhok feels Red Bull getting 10% reduction in wind tunnel time may prove to be devastating for them

Somin Bhattacharjee
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Karun Chandhok feels Red Bull getting 10% reduction in wind tunnel time may prove to be devastating for them

Red Bull was given a $7 million fine and a 10% reduction in wind tunnel time as a penalty for exceeding the cost cap in 2021. 

Over the last few weeks, Red Bull exceeding the budget cap has been the biggest talking point in F1. Most fans and team bosses wanted the Milton-Keynes-based outfit to be severely punished and some even suggested a points deduction.

In the end, the FIA announced that they would have to pay a fine of $7 million. However, the bigger punishment has to be their forced reduction in development time. They will have to spend 10% lesser time in the wind tunnel compared to other F1 teams next season.

Plenty of people within the F1 community feel that the punishment is too lenient. Former F1 driver and Sky Sports pundit Karun Chandhok on the other hand feels that people are underestimating just how important the wind tunnel is.

Also read: Williams protege Logan Sargeant misses out on a crucial Super Licence point by 1 Lap!

Why is wind tunnel important for F1 teams?

Today, aerodynamics is one of the most important factors in determining whether a car is fast or not. An F1 wind tunnel helps the teams master that aspect by balancing aero with power.

Aerodynamics is a crucial area to work on because it gives the cars higher downforce which provides drivers with greater grip in the corners. At the same time, they also allow lesser drag (on a low downforce set up) when the drivers are going flat out.

Also read: Watch: Mercedes’ mechanic breaks $300,000 part of George Russell’s W13

Ferrari and Mercedes may leap ahead of Red Bull in 2023

Chandhok has been working with Sky Sports as an analyst since 2021, and he explained why getting lesser time in the tunnel will affect Red Bull. He feels that the vast majority of he F1 community is not understanding how important being on the wind tunnel is.

Teams want their cars on the wind tunnel for as long as possible to make sure that the aerodynamics of their cars are as good as possible. If Red Bull get 10% less time, it means that Ferrari and Mercedes will get more. This would allow them to jump ahead of their rival in terms of performance next year.

“Losing 10% of wind tunnel time will mean that if everyone finishes in the same order as they are in now, they will have 12% less than Ferrari 17% less than Mercedes for next year,” the 38-year-old said. “That will have a big impact!”

Red Bull’s penalties may affect their plans of developing the 2023 car. As of this season, however, they have already secured the Constructors’ Championship with three races to spare.

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

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