Aston Martin reject wind tunnel build criticism

Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer has dismissed criticism the team would be wasting its money and time in building its own wind tunnel if a ban is introduced in 2030.

As part of its environmental initiatives from the next decade moving forwards, and in an additional bid to cut costs, the FIA is looking into the possibility of outlawing such facilities.

It is understood an F1 wind tunnel uses around 10,000 kilowatt-hours per day. For comparison, that is the same as an average family house per year.

Aston Martin is currently using Mercedes' 60%-scale tunnel after switching before the start of last season from the old 50% Toyota model it had used for many years.

But with greater resources, it is now considering the construction of its own tunnel, even though it could be made redundant in nine years' time.

“We are putting plans in place at the moment to build a tunnel," insisted Szafnauer.

"Aerodynamics are still a big differentiator in our sport and to have your own [tunnel] is advantageous, or to not have your own can be disadvantageous. Maybe that’s the right way to say it.

“So right now we are seriously considering the build of a tunnel and we will probably kick it off soon.

“The 2030 question, if we get it done in a couple of years' time, there is still a decent period of time to get use from a new tunnel.”

It is anticipated to have a tunnel online would take two years, further limiting such use of its own tunnel.

But a defiant Szafnauer added: “Here we are in 2021, so say by the middle of 2023 we have our new tunnel up and running, six and a half years to use it.

"It would be worthwhile.”

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