Is there a possibility for Adrian Newey to make a comeback to Formula 1 alongside Aston Martin?
Adrian Newey does “not know” if he’ll be involved in F1 when the new car specs are introduced 2026, but he’s warned teams it would be “premature” to lambast them today.
In 2026, Formula 1 is planning a comprehensive revamp of both car regulations and engine specifications.
Will Adrian Newey be involved in F1’s ‘slightly strange’ 2026 rules?
The most significant transformation involves the sport’s shift towards a 50/50 division between the internal combustion engine and electric power, resulting in a greater emphasis on energy recuperation.
The current hybrid components will see a nearly threefold increase in electrical power production thanks to the introduction of the MGU-K (Kinetic Motor Generator Unit).
Formula 1 has not finalized the car regulations, leaving Christian Horner and others concerned about the creation of “Frankenstein” cars to meet the battery requirements.
Newey, though, isn’t as negative as the Red Bull team boss, after all, designers are told the rules and it’s up to them to come up with the best solution.
But whether he’ll be a part of that solution, if it is with Ferrari as has been widely speculated or Aston Martin as Helmut Marko predicted, he isn’t saying.
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He informed Sky Sports that his initial response to the ’22 regulations announced in 2020 was that they were considerably restrictive.
“It’s unfortunate that such situations are always regrettable, as increased regulation tends to hinder creativity and alternative approaches.”
However, it became evident that there is a considerable amount of flexibility. We observed that since 2022, there have been numerous diverse shapes available. Although they are now beginning to merge, initially they were distinct from one another.
“At present, the ’26 regulations appear rather peculiar and unusual upon examination.”
However, dismissing them and concluding that they won’t succeed is extremely premature in my opinion.
As a designer, there is always a moment when you initially assess something and form an opinion on whether it is good or bad.
“I am confident that ’26 will present yet another significant challenge.”
“I am unsure if I am included, but it will undoubtedly be a significant challenge for those who are involved.”
However, not being associated with that, or more accurately, not being associated with Red Bull, will undoubtedly have a significant negative impact on the Milton Keynes team.
Helmut Marko, the motorsport advisor for Red Bull, has stated this.
Marko told Kronen Zeitung that it is undoubtedly a significant setback for Red Bull Racing.
Although he didn’t involve himself in the day-to-day operations or attend to every minute aspect or component, he possessed an intricate understanding of aerodynamics and mechanical grip, ultimately overseeing the overall control of the entire car.
“He added that in 2026, new regulations are expected to be implemented. Historically, whenever such regulations were introduced, Adrian was typically the first to grasp them in the most effective manner,” he acknowledged.
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