Adrian Newey cautions that the forthcoming rule changes in Formula 1, set for 2026, carry the potential risk of excessively reducing the speed of the cars.
Honda made headlines last week with its exciting announcement of a full-fledged return to the sport in 2026, teaming up with Aston Martin in a works collaboration. The Japanese carmaker attributed the pivotal factor behind this partnership to the FIA’s visionary rules for the future of Formula 1.
“In pursuit of its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, F1 will implement new regulations with an engine-electric motor maximum power output ratio of 50-50,” Honda said.
“This will represent a significant increase in the deployment of electrical power compared to the current ratio, while the use of a 100 percent sustainable fuel is also required.”
When questioned about the regulations for 2026 earlier this week, the renowned technical guru of Red Bull, Newey, emphasized that Formula 1 undoubtedly needs regulations; otherwise, the cars would be left without a necessary framework “ridiculous, like simple rockets”.
Nevertheless, he cautioned that the regulations for 2026 might be pushing the boundaries too much.
“The regulations are important, otherwise the safety of this sport would become a very serious concern,” he is quoted by Corriere dello Sport.
“But the changes presented for 2026, with the objectives set by the FIA addressing important issues such as environmental sustainability, pose a threat to the sheer speed and performance that the cars currently exhibit.”
