The Chief Technical Officer of Red Bull Racing, Adrian Newey, has raised a red flag about the 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations, alleging bias toward select manufacturers. Drafted by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), these rules have faced criticism ahead of their implementation, with Newey pointing out potential imbalances in their development process.
Newey suggested that the FIA may be influenced by the goal of attracting new manufacturers to Formula 1 from 2026 onwards. While this move could spark growth and innovation, Newey expressed doubts about its effectiveness, given the fickle nature of manufacturers’ commitments to the sport. His perspective hints at a possible skew towards short-term manufacturer satisfaction at the expense of long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
The upcoming regulations will revolutionize Formula 1’s powertrain technology, requiring an equal split between electric power and traditional internal combustion engines to align the sport with current automotive trends.
However, Newey cautioned that these changes could potentially disrupt balanced vehicle design. He highlighted the new engine demands, which mandate almost continuous high-output operation, presenting significant challenges for chassis design that were possibly underestimated during the rule-making process.
In an article by Motorsport Week, Newey shared, “The engines will be working flat-chat as generators just about the whole time. So, the engine working hard in the middle of Loews hairpin is going to take some getting used to.
The engine regulations were created without considering the chassis side of it, creating significant issues in finding a compatible solution.
However, efficiency is promoted through these changes, aligning with the intent to popularize trends through F1.”
Delving deeper, Newey criticized the FIA’s apparent strategy of catering to specific manufacturers to entice new participants, like Audi, set to enter the sport in 2026. While noting some success with this approach, he questioned whether the compromises to the regulations might hinder potential advancements. He continued, “The FIA seems influenced by a few manufacturers to attract more. While Audi’s entry in 2026 is a partial win, the compromises may outweigh the benefits.
Manufacturers come and go, excluding Ferrari. The core of the business lies with the teams and, ultimately, the viewers. Offering a diverse and engaging spectacle remains crucial.”