Ferrari feels Formula 1 is not ready to ban wind tunnel testing. F1 is not ready to introduce a wind tunnel ban.

Scuderia Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto admitted that at this moment Formula 1 would not be able to cope with the introduction of a wind tunnel ban.

This solution was mentioned as a possible cost saving method for the next seasons, taking into consideration the financial limitations which are part of the newly introduced budget cap. A situation that would imply shifting away from the current wind tunnel testing to the use of highly advanced CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) software.

However, Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto feels this is not possible at this time and indicated the start of the next decade as a possible milestone:

“Banning the wind tunnel has been discussed for 2030, not earlier. That was the proposal. So, it’s a long time from now to there. I think that all the teams are open to the discussion, and open to accept it eventually because it’s a long time from now. Are we today ready to ban the wind tunnel? Not at all. I think, in general, it has always been about design simulations and testing and testing is still very important, whatever it is: aerodynamics, power units etc. I think that in terms of cost reductions, we are already reducing at the moment the hours in the wind tunnel, which is a step in the right direction.” – the Ferrari boss explained

The removal of wind tunnel testing would require teams to focus more on preparations on track in order to identify the best aerodynamic solutions, most likely in the free practice sessions if testing sessions continue to be reduced, as the Scuderia Ferrari boss pinpoints the fact that this need would negate the financial benefits of a ban or risk creating an added element of danger.

“Banning it completely, if you would do it today, the testing would be on track and that would be even more expensive, rather than doing it in the wind tunnel – so I don’t think the times are mature today for a decision. I think it’s right to discuss it but I think the testing is part of our normal engineering process, so for today, it’s important to have the wind tunnel, and let’s see how much simulation will develop in the future.” – Scuderia Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto concluded.