(Motorsports news) The world champion team had previously intended to construct a fresh new building at its headquarters, which it believed was required to keep the team at the forefront of F1 car development in the long term. A location near its technology campus had been identified, and the team had formally requested for construction approval.
However, as part of the ongoing projects at Milton Keynes, including the construction of a new Red Bull Powertrains facility and additional industrial expansion, the team has decided to slightly relocate the intended wind tunnel. The adjustment, which will relocate the facility, means that the original planning authorization is no longer valid and has been revoked.
It is expected that new paperwork will be developed and submitted for approval. While this new process will take some time, the team expects that the change in site will have little affect on when the facility will be operational, as it will most likely be used for development of the 2026 car.
Since taking over the Jaguar team at the end of 2004, Red Bull has used an updated facility in Bedford as its official wind tunnel. This wind tunnel has previously been used by the Arrows team, but it was initially intended at the end of WWII as a facility for aircraft development.
One of the final decisions taken by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateshitz before his death last year was to create a new wind tunnel. In Austin, team principal Christian Horner stated that Red Bull was in an excellent position in terms of future commitments. “We’ve got tremendous support,” he remarked. “We’re investing in a new wind tunnel, which has been approved by both shareholders.”
“We are investing in the facilities and the campus to transform it into a true technology campus in order to attract and develop talent. Our commitment is unequivocal: our people have always been our strength and depth.” And I feel we have the best technological team we’ve ever had. “I believe we are strong operationally. The organization has no flaws in my opinion. That, I believe, does not exclude us from improving. “You can always improve and learn, but I believe Red Bull Racing is in the best shape it has ever been.”
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