In motorsport, winning races requires not only a skilled driver but also an equally powerful chariot. The 2023 Red Bull Racing Challenger might go down in the sport’s history books as the most dominant car ever. The RB19 has helped the Milton Keynes outfit smash McLaren’s record for 11 consecutive wins comfortably at the Hungarian GP. As the season has unfolded, the RB19 has reigned supreme. However, Adrian Newey’s masterpiece may be under threat, as Max Verstappen‘s dominance encounters a major obstacle.

The Milton Keynes outfit is keen on carrying its show of strength to 2024 and beyond. A big factor in helping Red Bull stick to this goal was the approval of a new wind tunnel. A much-needed upgrade over the smallest wind tunnel that they’ve been using forever. But Newey’s plans have come to a startling halt, putting the development of their 2025 challenger in a risky spot!

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While Red Bull Racing is known for its aerodynamic prowess, it hasn’t come easy for the team. The reigning champions have been using an ancient wind tunnel. The former RAE facility originally tested the aerodynamics of military jets! Yes, you heard that right! No wonder the RB19 is no less than a fighter jet in its own right. However, the team realized the importance of a bigger, more advanced wind tunnel facility. Which would allow Adrian Newey to continue working his magic.

The Red Bull Racing camp put in their application for a new wind tunnel to the Milton Keynes Council earlier this year. But the application saw its share of hiccups with the local council and UK Railway Network. Whilst the Railway Network came to a resolution with Red Bull, the local council approval proved to be quite a challenge. With many hurdles surrounding biodiversity impact and planning permission, the outfit has pulled back its application for the new facility!

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While no exact reasons were revealed behind Red Bull’s retraction, it’s highly likely that the planning or location did not sit well with the council. But this leaves the team facing a major dilemma. While they have not really faced hurdles in the journey to dominance while using their ancient wind tunnel, pressure is rising as McLaren has already revealed their wind tunnel, and Aston Martin is working hard to do the same.

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This spells major trouble for Red Bull, as they will not be able to use a new facility to develop their 2026 car. Only once Ford’s partnership begins will the wind tunnel be of any use to the Milton Keynes outfit. Can the team’s old and reliable wind tunnel really suffice?

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Red Bull Racing’s wind tunnel may be the smallest and oldest in use. But its heritage is not one to be taken lightly! It was first built during the Cold War era, as a vital component of the Royal Aeronautical Establishment facility near Bedford, England. Although built in 1947, the facility housed 5 wind tunnels used to test how an aircraft would perform at speeds in excess of Mach 5, which is twice the speed of sound! The facility served as an important base for development and testing for the Royal Air Force. The wind tunnels were set up to support different speeds, most of them varied from Mach 2 to 2.5, with the most powerful one capable of testing at Mach 5.

The wind tunnel that Red Bull would go on to use was actually a runway strip of sorts. It was used to test an aircraft’s landing and take-off capabilities, and the belt could move up to 200mph! What’s even more astonishing is the fact that the infamous BAC Concorde, an engineering marvel in its own right, was partially developed in the very facility used by Red Bull today. It’s safe to say that the RB Challengers have a lot in common with some jaw-dropping feats of engineering.

But the tunnel wouldn’t serve the RAE for much longer after the Cold War ended. It was decommissioned and partially demolished, with other sections being sold off. One of the lucky bidders was Red Bull Racing, and you better believe they’ve made the most use of this iconic facility!

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While their plans for the new wind tunnel may have been put on hold by planning woes, they have a reliable old friend to fall back on. It’s safe to say that when Red Bull Racing has Adrian Newey on their side, aerodynamics will continue to be their best mate. The team is looking to end the year on a high note, regardless. Stay tuned for more!