Adrian Newey believes that Formula 1 cars need to be exceptionally fast to create a visually captivating experience for fans. Current cars have faced criticism for their large and bulky appearance, which does not translate well on television. This has been a persistent issue in Formula 1 since the mid-2010s. However, Adrian Newey, the Chief Technical Officer of Red Bull, shared his ideas on how these issues can be addressed. He emphasizes the need for F1 cars to be fast to capture the attention of both fans and the media.
Newey, who has extensive experience in developing cars for Formula 1, acknowledges that there may be debates about the level of speed that should be achieved in terms of lap times and high-speed performance. However, he highlights the importance of considering the visual aspect, as television tends to make cars appear slower. Therefore, it is crucial for cars to have impressive speed to convey a sense of excitement on TV.
The 65-year-old expert emphasizes that Formula 1 should always prioritize being a visual spectacle. Making cars faster and lighter would help enhance this aspect. Newey’s comments should be taken seriously, as the essence of Formula 1 lies in the speed and visual spectacle of the cars.
The regulations in Formula 1 have been widely criticized, especially since the introduction of measures such as the cost cap. The new regulations implemented in 2022 have been particularly disappointing, as the cars have become larger, bulkier, and less dynamic. Adrian Newey, from Red Bull, spoke about the challenges and limitations that teams face due to these regulations. He highlights that the current regulations are the most restrictive of all time, making it difficult for teams to make improvements or explore new concepts.
In reality, the existing regulations are undoubtedly the most limiting in the history of Formula 1. Each new set of regulations tends to be more restrictive than the previous ones, and the introduction of the cost cap further restricts the spending disparities between the largest and smallest teams.
Newey also criticizes the limited impact of the cost cap, which has failed to make the sport more competitive. The hierarchy among teams remains largely unchanged. Formula 1 must address these issues before the new regulations are introduced in 2026.
