Aston Martin has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of its new wind tunnel at its factory in Silverstone. The facility, which is located in building 3, has undergone a calibration process and is now equipped with a laboratory for materials and the manufacture of parts, including those used in Formula 1 (F1) at a 1/2 scale. It has been reported that Fernando Alonso’s team is already working on the 2026 car, which is intended to be a competitive contender for the World Cup and constructors’ championship that season.
This new development allows Aston Martin to stop using the Mercedes wind tunnel in Brackley, which is approximately 20 km away and was previously used on a rental basis. Having all departments together in one location is expected to improve communication and reduce working hours. The new building is also equipped with the latest technology, which is an advantage over other teams that have older facilities. For example, both Mercedes and Red Bull have complained about the correlation between factory and track data this year, which Aston Martin hopes to avoid with its new setup.
The importance of having a modern and updated wind tunnel cannot be overstated, especially in the current F1 landscape. McLaren, for instance, premiered its new wind tunnel in Woking in late 2023 and has seen significant improvements in its performance. The team can now manufacture its own rear gearbox and suspensions, reducing its reliance on Mercedes. Aston Martin is also expected to have this capability from 2026 onwards.
Those working under Adrian Newey, who begins his tenure as engineer at the start of March, are likely already working on the AMR26, the car that will undergo significant changes, including being shorter, narrower, and lighter, with active aerodynamics in both the front and rear. Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso have high hopes for the 2026 season, with Alonso acknowledging that the focus will be on the new car and the regulation changes.
The available hours for wind tunnel use are regulated by the FIA and are allocated based on the team’s classification in the previous year. Aston Martin, having finished fifth in 2024, will have more hours available than the top four teams during the first six months of the year. The allocation of hours is as follows:
Stake Sauber F1 Team – 1,380 hours, 115%
Williams F1 – 1,320 hours, 110%
Racing Bulls – 1,260 hours, 105%
Haas F1 – 1,200 hours, 100%
Alpine F1 – 1,140 hours, 95%
Aston Martin – 1,080 hours, 90%
Mercedes AMG F1 – 1,020 hours, 85%
Red Bull Racing – 960 hours, 80%
Scuderia Ferrari – 900 hours, 75%
McLaren – 840 hours, 70%
This allocation will be revised in July based on the 2025 World Cup standings at that time.