Newey: Restrictive 2021 rules are 'an awful shame'

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Red Bull Racing's Adrian Newey has labeled next year's regulation changes in F1 as "an awful shame", the design guru expressing his frustration with the "restrictive" nature of the new rules.

Formula 1's 2021 regulation overhaul aims to tighten the field and promote better racing thanks in part to a simplification of a car's aero specifications.

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But Newey, who penned more winning designs in F1 than any other engineer, says the limited scope of innovation as prescribed by the new rules is something he doesn't like.

"In many ways I look forward to a regulation change because it's an opportunity to try to understand new things," Newey tild iNews.

"What I don't like is the general trend in successive regulations to become ever more restrictive. What was very nice about the last major change back in 2009 was that it wasn't more restrictive.

"But these new ones for 2021 are very restrictive and prescriptive. And I think that is an awful shame.

"It makes it a little bit GP1 which is not what I think Formula One should be."

©Formula1

Newey says the jury is still out as to whether the new rules will succeed in improving the show. But he makes clear that they were decided by Formula 1's chiefs and the FIA without the overwhelming consent of his peers.

"It's been pushed through regardless of what people think, so whether it's good for the sport or not, only time will tell."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.