Adrian Newey has expressed some concerns regarding the new 2026 technical regulations officially announced by the FIA today. In the midst of the regulatory cycle for ground-effect cars, Formula 1 is already looking ahead to 2026, the year when the new technical regulations will debut. These will feature significant innovations, including active aerodynamics and the introduction of the Override mode, and will mark a clear break from the current generation of cars.
Adrian Newey opposed to the 2026 regulations
However, several industry insiders have raised more than a few concerns about these regulations, which have indeed attracted major manufacturers such as Audi, but still leave several technical question marks.
Speaking on the subject in his column for Motorsport Magazine, Adrian Newey commented on the 2026 outlook: “The FIA seems to have been heavily influenced by one or two manufacturers, hoping to please them, but also to attract others.” – the former Red Bull engineer explained.
“I suppose that, since Audi will participate in 2026, there has been partial success in this sense, but I am not sure it is worth the overall effort for what might be achieved. The reality is that manufacturers come and go, except for Ferrari. It is the teams that drive the business, and the big attraction is the audience. It is essential to offer them a good show, and part of this variety is well rewarded.” – he pointed out.
“If you look at IndyCar, until 1990 there were a large number of manufacturers. It was very popular and even competed with the FIA. It became a single brand and its popularity decreased.” – the British car designer continued.
The Briton could not ignore the sustainability factor, with a Formula 1 increasingly focused on being green and pioneering technologies to be applied in road cars: “If governments insist on zero emissions, the internal combustion engine (ICE) is not in a good position.”
“Of course, if you commit to a zero-carbon footprint, all possibilities open up. Biofuels are an interesting and growing concept. It is not clear if they will ever be fully price-competitive.” – Adrian Newey concluded.
Source: f1ingenerale
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