Adrian Newey’s ‘strange’ F1 2026 prediction resurfaces after huge regulation shake-up

The FIA has released a birds-eye view of the F1 2026 showcar.

Officially confirming smaller and lighter cars for F1 2026, Adrian Newey had previously called the new regulations “strange” but something every technical director would have to adapt to.

In 2026, Formula 1 is set to implement broad changes, ranging from new engines to new cars.

Adrian Newey: Are F1 2026 rules good or are they bad?

But while the engine regulations have long been known, the sport’s bosses finally announced the new technical specifications for the cars on Thursday.

One of the main points to note is that the cars are now lighter, shorter, and narrower than they used to be. They’ve reduced the minimum weight by 30 kilograms, bringing it down to 768kg.

The FIA intends to create a more ‘nimble’ car by reducing the wheelbase by 200mm, from 3600mm to 3400mm, and making it 100mm narrower than its current size.

In addition, DRS has introduced an electric boost as the new overtaking measure, replacing the Drag Reduction System. This is quite similar to the push-to-pass method used in other racing series.

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Perhaps the most significant change for the designers is the application of active aerodynamics to both the front and rear wings.

Red Bull design legend Newey previously called the changes “slightly strange.”

Speaking to Autosport earlier this year, he said: “At the moment, they look a slightly strange set of regulations but to then write them off and say therefore they won’t be good, it’s way too premature.

“As a designer, there’s a stage where you initially assess potential outcomes. You might form an opinion, questioning whether they’re good or bad. However, eventually, you need to disregard these judgments and focus solely on tackling the challenge.”

However, his comments were primarily focused on the engines, which will possess increased battery power to achieve a 50-50 balance between internal combustion and electric power.

Newey referred to the split as a “Frankenstein” technology, a term coined by Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. He commented, “The engines will essentially be functioning at full capacity as generators for the majority of the time, which will certainly make for an unusual formula.”

Thus, the idea of the engine laboring intensely at the center of Loews hairpin will require some acclimation.

The engine regulations were arguably established and enforced without giving much consideration to the chassis aspect.

This is now causing significant problems in terms of devising a solution to deal with it.

However, I believe the one positive aspect is its promotion of efficiency. Any initiative that does so aligns with my previous statement about utilizing F1 to popularize a trend.

It is still uncertain whether Newey will be present to witness the F1 2026 regulations in action, as he has announced his departure from Red Bull in the first quarter of 2025.

Newey has been widely associated with Ferrari, however, he is currently still deciding whether he wants to continue in F1.

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