Christian Horner big Aston Martin worry shared by F1 insider

Formula One preview: A lap of the Australian Grand Prix

Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson has claimed that Red Bull’s biggest concern this season will be the eventual impact of their wind tunnel reduction punishment. Christian Horner could soon feel the effect of the FIA’s sporting penalty, which would play massively in Aston Martin’s favour.

In October, Red Bull were found guilty of a ‘minor’ breach of the £117.6million budget in 2021, Max Verstappen’s maiden world title-winning year.

After spending £1.8m over the cap, the FIA hit the constructors’ champions with a £5.7m fine and a 10 per cent reduction in wind tunnel time over the next 12 months.

With Red Bull’s development of their 2023 car already advanced at that stage, it hasn’t impacted the start of the campaign, where they have dominated both Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

But Davidson, who currently works as an analyst for Sky Sports F1, believes it will be causing serious concerns among Horner and co.

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“That hasn’t come into effect yet [the wind tunnel reduction impact],” Davidson said in an interview with the Evening Standard.

“Aston Martin will have 60 to 70 per cent more wind tunnel use than Red Bull [as a result of their lowly finish in last year’s championship]. That’s huge.

“That’s what Red Bull’s mostly concerned about — the handbrake is coming on with their development. Things progress so rapidly in Formula One.

“Aston Martin are two seconds per lap faster than last year. If they find another second by halfway through the year, then they’re on Red Bull speed.”

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Aston Martin have been the surprise package this year, with Fernando Alonso notching back-to-back podium finishes after switching from Alpine.

They have more than matched Ferrari and Mercedes’ speed in the opening two races, and team principal Mike Krack will be confident of closing the gap to Red Bull.

For now, it seems inconceivable that any other car will be able to conquer Verstappen and Sergio Perez in the RB19.

But the gradual impact of the wind tunnel reduction could add an intriguing hint of spice to a currently one-sided season.

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