Formula 1 Teams Preparing for the 2026 Revolution: Navigating ATR and Development Shifts

As Formula 1 heads into a pivotal new era of car design and technical regulations with the 2026 season on the horizon, the teams are entering a critical phase of development. The introduction of fresh rules presents a significant challenge to all teams, with new cars, new power units, and an even stricter push toward sustainability and performance. Central to the teams’ preparations is the aerodynamic testing restrictions system, better known as ATR (Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions), which will play a pivotal role in shaping how they develop their machines for 2026. The mid-season reset that occurs every year significantly impacts how teams allocate their resources for development, and this season, more than ever, the stakes are high.

The ATR System: Ensuring Competitive Balance

The ATR system is designed to keep the competition close by ensuring that teams with lower championship standings are granted more resources, allowing them to close the gap to their higher-performing rivals. This system is refreshed twice during each season, and its reset is critical in determining which teams get more or less wind tunnel time and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation hours. The sliding scale is designed to allow struggling teams to catch up while preventing dominant teams from further extending their advantage.

For the second time since the introduction of the ATR system in 2021, teams are experiencing its impact during a major regulatory shift, with the 2026 car overhaul looming large. As teams work toward this massive rules change, the ATR system will be a key determinant of who can develop their car the quickest, as aerodynamic testing time is one of the most valuable resources for improving a car’s performance.

The Mid-Season Reset: Key Winners and Losers

The mid-season reset for the 2025 season took place after the Canadian Grand Prix, on June 22, when the third Aerodynamic Testing Period (ATP) of the season ended. Following this reset, teams received new development allowances, which will determine how much time they have in wind tunnels and CFD sessions for the second half of the season. With a limited amount of development time available, teams must make strategic decisions about where to focus their efforts.

Williams: The Big Mover

One of the most notable shifts in 2025 has been the rise of Williams, which has shown impressive progress under the leadership of James Vowles. After a disappointing ninth-place finish in 2024, Williams has surged to fifth place in the standings midway through 2025. However, despite this improvement, Williams now faces the steepest reduction in wind tunnel time and CFD capacity for the rest of the season, a consequence of their mid-season standing. But the team has already made a bold move by fully committing to the 2026 car development ahead of its rivals, hoping that a head start will mitigate the impact of reduced testing time. James Vowles is optimistic, believing that the loss in ATR time will not substantially affect the team’s development pace.

Mercedes: A Mixed Blessing

Mercedes, despite a fairly strong 2025 campaign and consistent points finishes, has found itself facing a modest reduction in its ATR allowance. After finishing fourth in 2024, Mercedes was granted a larger testing allowance for the first half of 2025. However, their current second-place standing in the championship comes at a cost. With a reduction to 75% of the ATR allowance, the team must now focus its development efforts carefully, knowing that rivals like Ferrari and Red Bull are always nipping at its heels.

Audi (SA): Small Price for Big Gains

Audi’s works team, known as SA, has experienced a remarkable rise since the start of the 2025 season. After finishing last in 2024, SA improved dramatically, leaping ahead of Alpine in the standings. However, this improvement came at a cost. Despite a highly successful Spanish Grand Prix upgrade that helped the team climb up the rankings, it will have slightly less ATR allowance than it could have had if the reset had come a few weeks earlier. Even with this minor setback, the team is in a strong position to capitalize on its momentum, especially as it continues to develop its 2026 car with the benefit of a strong development allowance for the rest of the season.

Alpine: The Biggest Winner

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Alpine stands to gain the most from the mid-season reset. After a disappointing first half of 2025, Alpine now finds itself at the bottom of the championship standings. However, this misfortune has resulted in the team being granted the maximum ATR allowance for the remainder of the year. This is a significant advantage for Alpine, which is preparing for a crucial switch to a Mercedes engine in 2026. The extra testing resources could prove to be a game-changer for the team, as it works to capitalize on its technical expertise and past successes to regain competitiveness before the 2026 season.

McLaren: Business as Usual

In contrast to teams like Williams or Mercedes, McLaren finds itself in a neutral position when it comes to the ATR reset. Having finished strong in 2024, securing the constructor’s championship title, McLaren will not face any changes to its ATR allowance in the second half of the season. While this puts the team in a good position to continue its development without interruption, it must make sure to maximize its allocation of wind tunnel and CFD time in order to maintain its competitive advantage over rivals like Red Bull and Mercedes.

Ferrari: A Rollercoaster Season

Ferrari’s 2025 campaign has been something of a rollercoaster ride. After a strong finish to 2024, the team had hopes of challenging for the title in 2025. However, inconsistency has plagued its season, with Ferrari jumping between second and fourth in the standings. The team’s recent drop in performance means it now benefits slightly from an increased ATR allowance, which should aid in its preparations for the 2026 car. Ferrari’s ability to leverage this advantage will be critical, as it looks to reclaim its competitive edge in the next era of Formula 1.

Red Bull: A Modest Advantage

Red Bull’s 2024 slump allowed the team to benefit from a slight increase in its ATR allowance. While the team has not been able to maximize its wind tunnel time due to the limitations of its current facility, the new Red Bull wind tunnel, still under construction, should eventually support its 2026 development efforts. The modest increase in ATR capacity will help Red Bull improve its car for 2026, but its reliance on a simulator for development may reduce the impact of this additional testing time.

Aston Martin: In the Sweet Spot

Aston Martin has found itself in an enviable position. With the talented Adrian Newey now leading its car development for the 2026 season, the team is in a good place between momentum and available development resources. Despite a challenging 2024 season, Aston Martin has shown considerable improvement in 2025. The increased ATR allowance in the second half of the year will help the team as it works to solidify its position as a serious contender for the 2026 season.

Cadillac: Formula 1’s Newest Challenge

Formula 1’s newest team, Cadillac, has had a unique set of challenges this season. Because of the delay in receiving approval for its 2026 entry, the team was subject to the same ATR restrictions as the last-place team for much of 2025. Although this gave Cadillac some initial freedom to test and develop its car, its limited facilities and resources have meant that it cannot fully take advantage of the extra time it was granted earlier in the season. As Cadillac prepares for its 2026 debut, the team will have to quickly ramp up its development efforts, with its ATR allocation playing a key role in shaping its prospects.

Conclusion

As the 2026 era looms, the ATR system will be one of the most crucial factors influencing the development strategies of Formula 1 teams. From Williams’ early commitment to its 2026 car to Alpine’s boost from a larger development allowance, each team must navigate the restrictions with a keen eye on long-term gains. With a major rules change on the horizon, how teams use their ATR resources in the next few months will have a lasting impact on their competitiveness in 2026 and beyond.

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