Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsOpinion

Newey still advocating for more creative freedom

In a perfect world, Red Bull's chief technical officer Adrian Newey would prefer absolute engineering freedom when it comes to designing a Formula 1 car.

Unfortunately, chances of the legendary design guru getting his way are nonexistent when the sport's teams, commercial rights holder and governing body meet later today in Geneva to seek a breakthrough agreement on the future of F1's regulations from 2017.

"I think I would always vote for as much freedom as possible," Newey said.

"The danger of that of course is that it creates a spending frenzy where more investment, more research, budgets is rewarded with more performance. This is kind of my personal opinion and isn't fully supported by everybody even inside the team.

"I think that if we had a much more open set of aero regulations coupled with a form of restriction on the size of aero teams, then that could be a more creative atmosphere for everyone to work in so that it doesn't end up in the current situation where if you paint all the cars white you can't tell which is which."

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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.