Newey still views 2022 rules as 'missed opportunity' for F1

Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey hasn't changed his view on Formula 1's 2022 regulations, insisting they represent a "missed opportunity" for the sport.

F1's bold vision of the future, based on a radical new design philosophy, with a simpler approach to aerodynamics, destined to level the playing field among competitors, was originally scheduled to be introduced this year.

But the onslaught of the global coronavirus pandemic has delayed the regulation overhaul until 2022.

Newey's initial assessment of the new rulebook highlighted, in his view, the restrictive nature of the new rules and their limited scope of innovation.

Twelve months on, the man who penned more winning designs in F1 than any other engineer hasn't changed his stance on the sport's reg revolution.

"I just think it’s so unfortunate and a missed opportunity," he said in an interview with Dutch magazine Formule 1.

"If you come up with a completely new regulation, make sure it’s okay. But these rules just aren’t."

While Newey is fully focused on his design role with Red Bull, he admits that tackling next year's changes hasn't spurred his "excitement".

"I have to admit I still have to find something to make these rules exciting for myself," he added. I just don’t think this is a good new regulation."

Newey's allegiance to Red Bull has never wavered since he joined the outfit in 2005, although he has taken a step back from F1 at times to apply his engineering skills to satellite projects such as the design of the Aston Martin Walkyrie hypercar.

• Read also: Newey transformed Red Bull's 'party team' reputation - Horner

Today, the 62-year-old former Williams and McLaren engineer admits to having a more "paternal feeling" towards Red Bull Racing, but also more responsibility.

"I saw Red Bull as a start-up team, which really appealed to me," he said.

"Nobody knew where Red Bull would go, but the first goal was to get in a position to win races – and from there we would see.

"The success we have had over the years has therefore given me a great, very fulfilling experience.

"Williams and McLaren are great teams but I felt there, despite being valued in a way, always an employee.

"At Red Bull, on the other hand, I feel a lot more responsibility. I even have a bit of a paternal feeling for the team."

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