The Red Bull team, led by technical director Pierre Waché, is hoping to turn an unexpected advantage into a potential victory for the 2025 season. Having secured the third position in the Constructors’ Championship, the team has earned additional wind tunnel runs, which could place it ahead of its competitors in car development. However, Waché is cautiously optimistic, maintaining a realistic perspective on the challenges ahead.
The Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions (ATR) award the teams with lower performance extra wind tunnel time. As a result, Red Bull has secured 96 more runs than McLaren for the first half of 2025, providing them with an opportunity to fine-tune their car. However, Waché is wary of resting on these laurels, recognizing that this added time is not a definitive promise of success.
“It potentially sets us up for a considerable advantage in 2026, provided we use it correctly,” Waché stated.
Despite boasting greater resources than McLaren and Ferrari, Red Bull faces the delicate task of balancing immediate, in-season development with a long-term focus on the 2026 regulations. Waché underscores the necessity of strategic decisions in this context, and strongly believes that the team has the potential to compete for the championship in 2025.
“If we find ourselves in a position to vie for the championship in 2025, which I believe we will, then we certainly won’t let go of that opportunity,” he affirmed.
As Red Bull gears up for the 2025 season, Waché remains confident that the extra wind tunnel runs can offer a competitive advantage, but cautions that this benefit must be exploited judiciously.
“This is a positive aspect of our current situation, so it can be quite advantageous,” he added.
With a carefully crafted strategy, Red Bull could be in the running for another championship. However, the balance between achieving immediate success and laying the groundwork for future development will be a significant determinant.
The team’s journey toward the 2025 season promises to be challenging, yet brimming with potential. As Red Bull seeks to leverage an unexpected windfall, the racing world will be watching with bated breath.