Red Bull Racing to launch new wind tunnel in 2027

Red Bull Racing expects to begin operations at its new aerodynamic wind tunnel facility in Milton Keynes during the 2027 Formula 1 season. Laurent Mekies confirmed that while the exact quarter of operation is yet to be determined, the facility will likely support the second half of the 2027 car development cycle and the majority of work for the 2028 season.

The new facility is intended to replace the team’s current wind tunnel located in Bedford, which has been described by former team principal Christian Horner as a “Cold War relic.” Despite being one of the oldest facilities on the grid, the Bedford tunnel supported the team through four consecutive driver championships between 2021 and 2024.

Mekies noted that while the team expects a competitive advantage from the high-tech infrastructure, the benefits will not be instantaneous. The team will require time for initial setup and calibration before the facility reaches its full potential.