McLaren, the 2025 Constructors’ Championship winner, faces an initial difficulty in the development of its car for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the lowest allocation of wind tunnel time and computational simulations among all teams. According to FIA rules, testing allocations are determined by each team’s final position in the championship, with the highest-placed teams receiving the most severe restrictions the following year.
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For the first half of 2026, teams will have a testing limit based on the 2025 standings. As the winner of the constructors’ title, McLaren will be entitled to only 70% of the standard testing quota, i.e., 224 wind tunnel uses and 1.400 computational simulations (CFD). This means that, despite the success in 2025, the team will be more limited in development opportunities compared to other teams.
On the other hand, the worst-performing teams, such as Alpine, will have the maximum testing allocation, with 115% of the quota, allowing 368 wind tunnel uses and 2.300 simulations (CFD). This measure was introduced by the FIA in 2021 to try to reduce the disparity between teams and promote greater equality throughout the championships.
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The system, although it creates an initial inequality, aims to level the grid over the years, allowing lower-performing teams to have more opportunities to catch up with the top teams.
See below the time each team will have in 2026:
Final position in 2025 Wind tunnel tests CFD simulations
1. McLaren 70% – 224 uses 1.400
2. Mercedes 75% – 240 uses 1.500
3. Red Bull 80% – 256 uses 1.600
4. Ferrari 85% – 272 uses 1.700
5. Williams 90% – 288 uses 1.800
6. Racing Bulls 95% – 304 uses 1.900
7. Aston Martin 100% – 320 uses 2.000
8. Haas 105% – 336 uses 2.100
9. Audi (ex-Sauber) 110% – 352 uses 2.200
10. Alpine 115% – 368 uses 2.300
– Cadillac (newcomer) 115% – 368 uses 2.300
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