Newey warns: 2026 F1 could be an ‘engine formula’

Legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey has expressed concerns that the sweeping regulation changes set to debut in 2026 could result in Formula 1 becoming an "engine formula," at least in the early years of the overhaul.

Newey, the aerodynamic mastermind behind Red Bull’s championship-winning cars, will begin his tenure with Aston Martin on March 3.

Having stepped away from the sport for several months, Newey has yet to take a deep dive into F1’s new regs. Nevertheless, the Briton is acutely aware of the challenges posed by the simultaneous engine/chassis overhaul.

Speaking in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Newey shared his insights on the sport’s upcoming transformation as well as on the potential implications for competitive balance.

A Potential Engine-Dominated Era

Newey warns that the 2026 rulebook could create a scenario where a single engine manufacturer establishes a dominant advantage, similar to what Mercedes achieved at the start of the turbo-hybrid era in 2014.

“I think there has to be a big chance that it’s an engine formula at the start,” Newey said.

The new regulations are intended to create a balance between chassis and power unit performance. However, Newey is skeptical about whether that balance will be achievable given the complexities of simultaneous changes to both sets of rules.

“The reality is I can’t remember another time in Formula 1 when both the chassis regulations and the engine regulations have changed simultaneously and where, in this case, the chassis regulations have been very much written to try to compensate for the power unit regulations. So it’s an extra dimension,” he added.

Lessons from the Past

Reflecting on the last major power unit overhaul in 2014, Newey believes teams are now more alert to the risks of falling behind. However, the possibility of one manufacturer securing a lasting advantage remains a real concern.

“I think engine manufacturers will have learned to an extent [from] the lack of preparation that the rivals to Mercedes did prior to that change,” he explained.

“But there has to be a chance that one manufacturer will come out well on top and it will become a power unit-dominated regulation, at least to start with.

• Read also: Newey facing ‘two months behind the curve’ start at Aston Martin

“And there’s a chance that if it’s on the combustion engine side of it, that somebody comes up with a dominant combustion engine, that will last through the length of the formula, because the way the regulations are written it’s quite difficult for people who are behind to catch up.

“If it’s on the electrical side, then there’s much more ability to catch up if you’re behind,” he said.

A Chassis-Engine Conundrum

The simultaneous introduction of new aerodynamic and vehicle dynamics regulations with revamped engine rules adds another layer of uncertainty.

Newey acknowledged that he lacks detailed knowledge of the chassis regulations due to his recent transition out of Formula 1 and into a new role with Aston Martin.

“It is not yet clear how far a competitive chassis might be able to make up for an uncompetitive power unit,” Newey admitted.

“Because I’ve been out of Formula 1, really, since the end of April, then I have little detailed knowledge of the new regulations.

“Of course, the power unit side of the regulations has been out for some time but in terms of the chassis side of it and the aerodynamics and the vehicle dynamics, then I don’t have much knowledge.

“So that will be a rapid learning curve when I do start.”

A New Chapter for Newey

Newey's comments come during a significant career transition. After 19 seasons at Red Bull – during which he spearheaded designs for multiple constructors' championship-winning cars – he made the surprising decision to part ways with the team and begin anew with Aston Martin.

“If you’d said to me 12 months ago, would I be leaving Red Bull and then now ultimately starting again, I would have said, ‘no, you’re crazy,’” he revealed.

“But, for various reasons, I felt I wouldn’t be true to myself if I stayed at Red Bull.

“So the first difficult decision was exactly that. Do I stay at Red Bull or not?

“I obviously came to the conclusion that, being honest with myself, I couldn’t. And then having made that decision, it was then what to do next.”

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