Facing a limitation of 70% in wind tunnel and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) time as part of the F1 Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions, Red Bull was considerably challenged. This formula provides less developmental time to higher performing teams in the constructors’ championship.
Being the reigning champion, Red Bull had to manage with the least allowance among all ten teams. This came along with an extra limitation as a penalty for crossing the 2021 cost cap.
Nevertheless, Red Bull has triumphed in overcoming these hurdles in 2023, having won all eight races to this point, allowing Max Verstappen to effortlessly secure his third consecutive world championship.
Christian Horner, when questioned whether Red Bull’s triumph indicates the ATR rules impact was not as severe as anticipated, admitted that without a robust car at the season’s start, the team would have faced significant obstacles.
“The key factor is that we entered the year with a competitive car,” Horner stated in Austria. “If we had to rectify issues with the current car, it would have spelled disaster for us. Luckily, we had a solid foundation to build on.”
Despite the limitations, Red Bull has clinched all eight races this season so far, with Verstappen leading the pack six times.
Photo by: Andy Hone / F1 Flow Images
Horner conceded that the imposed constraints did hinder Red Bull’s in-season progress. However, he acknowledged the team’s ability to promptly shift its focus to the following year’s car.
“Our development pace compared to other cars is somewhat subdued, simply due to the limited resource time we have,” he added. “Thus, we have to judiciously utilize the available resources.”
The ATR table is updated biannually, utilizing the current 2023 constructors’ standings from 1 July until the year’s end.
This suggests Red Bull’s closest rivals Mercedes and Aston Martin, who have improved since their final 2023 positions, will face further reduction in their development time. Conversely, Ferrari will be granted a larger allowance.
ATR Table for the second half of 2023
Championship Position
Team
Allowance
Change from 1 July
1st
Red Bull
70%
0
2nd
Mercedes
75%
-5%
3rd
Aston Martin
80%
-20%
4th
Ferrari
85%
+10%
5th
Alpine
90%
+5%
6th
McLaren
95%
+5%
7th
Alfa Romeo
100%
+5%
8th
Haas
105%
0
9th
Williams
110%
-5%
10th
115%
+5%
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Red Bull’s 2023 F1 Season
What restrictions did Red Bull face in the 2023 F1 season?
Red Bull was subjected to a 70% allowance in wind tunnel and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) time as part of the F1 Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions. They also had an additional restriction as a penalty for crossing the 2021 cost cap.
How did Red Bull perform in the 2023 F1 season despite the restrictions?
Despite the restrictions, Red Bull managed to excel in the season, winning all eight races so far. Max Verstappen is on his way to his third consecutive world championship.
How did Red Bull handle the limited resource time?
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner mentioned that their rate of development compared to other cars was more moderate due to the restricted resource time. They had to strategically decide where to apply the available resource time, with much of it going into the development of next year’s car.
How will the ATR table affect other teams in the second half of 2023?
The ATR table, which is updated every six months, uses the current constructors’ standings. This means teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin, which have improved from their final 2023 position, will see their development time reduced, while Ferrari will be granted a larger allowance.
Who has been the main driver for Red Bull’s victories?
Max Verstappen has been instrumental in Red Bull’s victories, winning six of the eight races so far in the 2023 season.
More about Red Bull’s 2023 F1 Season
- Red Bull Racing’s official website
- Max Verstappen’s official profile on Formula 1
- F1 Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions explained
- The Constructors’ Championship explained
- Formula 1’s 2021 cost cap details
6 comments
Aston Martin and Mercedes better step up their game. Ferrari’s getting more allowance, things bout to get interesting!
These ATR rules sure don’t seem to be slowing down the Bulls. Wonder what Merc and Aston got planned to catch up…
man, max is on fire this season! Third championship here we come.
Red Bull’s got one helluva team. Takes a lot to keep on winning with all those hurdles. Hats off to them.
cant believe how Red Bull’s killin it this year. Even with those restrictions they’re unstoppable. Go Max!
if red bull keeps up this pace, we might as well call it a season. Crazy stuff!