Adrian Newey, considered the greatest design mind in Formula 1, has offered a candid assessment of the challenges posed by the sport’s upcoming 2026 regulations overhaul. With radical changes in both chassis and power unit regulations, Newey has emphasized that the initial years of the new era could heavily favor one power unit manufacturer—potentially turning the sport into an “engine formula.”
The Lessons of 2014: A Mercedes Masterclass
F1 fans still recall the dominance Mercedes enjoyed at the start of the V6 Turbo-Hybrid era in 2014. Their unparalleled head start allowed them to dominate the sport until Red Bull, powered by Honda, dethroned them in 2021. With power units contributing 50% of the car’s total power output in 2026 and a pivot toward sustainable fuels, the potential for another one-sided era looms large.
Newey believes the simultaneous overhaul of engine and chassis regulations increases the likelihood of one manufacturer gaining a decisive advantage early on, much like Mercedes in 2014.
Key Factors in the 2026 Power Unit Race
The 2026 power unit regulations introduce four key players:
- Mercedes
- Ferrari
- Honda (partnering with Aston Martin)
- Red Bull Powertrains
Additionally, Cadillac will enter F1 in 2026 but won’t debut its own power unit until 2028. Meanwhile, Alpine will shift from Renault to become a Mercedes customer, marking the end of Renault’s power unit program.
Why the Engine Might Dominate the Formula
Newey highlights the following concerns about the new regulations:
- Combustion Engine Advantage:
If a manufacturer produces a dominant combustion engine, catching up could be nearly impossible under the tight regulations. - Electrical Recovery Systems:
Manufacturers falling behind on the electrical side may have more flexibility to recover performance due to fewer regulatory restrictions. - Fuel Optimization:
With sustainable fuels playing a significant role, Newey points out that engines optimized for a specific fuel could create performance disparities. “You can’t simply chuck a different fuel into an engine that hasn’t been optimized for it,” he explained.
Newey’s New Chapter at Aston Martin
Having left Red Bull in mid-2024, Newey will officially join Aston Martin in March 2025 as a shareholder and technical lead. His focus will largely be on the 2026 car, as there is little he can contribute to Aston Martin’s 2025 challenger, which will already be in development by the time he arrives.
Despite the challenges, Aston Martin’s partnership with Honda offers hope. Honda’s strong recent history with Red Bull provides a solid foundation for the team’s ambitions in the new era.
A Learning Curve for Newey
Newey acknowledged that his absence from F1 since April 2024 has left him with limited knowledge of the new chassis regulations. His transition to Aston Martin will require a “rapid learning curve” to familiarize himself with the latest aerodynamic and vehicle dynamics regulations.
The Stakes for 2026 and Beyond
The 2026 regulations are a gamble for Formula 1, aiming to create a balance between engine and chassis innovation while promoting sustainability. However, Newey’s warning about an “engine formula” serves as a reminder of how crucial this transitional period will be. For Aston Martin and Lawrence Stroll, securing Newey’s expertise was a strategic move to position the team as a serious contender in the upcoming era.
Whether Honda delivers the power and Aston Martin provides the platform for Newey’s genius to shine will be one of the defining storylines of F1’s 2026 season.
