With the advent of the new regulations for 2026, not everyone within Formula 1 is equally enthusiastic. Adrian Newey, the technical mastermind tasked with leading Aston Martin into a new phase in the sport, has expressed criticism about the upcoming Formula 1 rules.
Double Adjustments
The new Formula 1 rules encompass both the engines and the chassis, a choice that Newey finds illogical. “I can’t recall the last time new rules were introduced for both the engine and the chassis,” he says. According to Newey, the main issue lies in the timing. While the engine rules have been set for some time, little attention has been paid to how these changes correlate with the adjustments for the chassis. This has led to a great deal of uncertainty among the teams and the FIA.
Concerns Over Battery Capacity
One of the biggest challenges the sport faces is how the cars will perform over the entire length of the race. Simulations show that the batteries of the 2026 cars could become depleted at some point during the race, leading to a significant loss of speed on the straights. This has led to changes in the rules, but according to Newey, the concerns have not disappeared. “There’s a chance that cars will be significantly slower at the end of the race than at the beginning,” he explains.
Limited Freedom in Design
One of Newey’s criticisms is that the stricter chassis rules could negatively impact the diversity of the cars. He fears that the new aerodynamic restrictions will make all cars look increasingly similar, thereby losing the unique identities of the teams. “The strength of Formula 1 lies in variation and innovation. But if the rules become too tight, we will end up with all the same cars on the grid.”
Focus on Manufacturers
Newey also notes that the new rules seem to have been made primarily to attract car manufacturers such as Audi and Honda. While he welcomes the arrival of new brands, he does add an important caveat: “Manufacturers come and go, depending on their internal strategies. Teams, on the other hand, are the heart of the sport. The danger is that we become too dependent on brands that can shift their focus just as quickly,” says Newey.
