Formula 1 is on the brink of its most significant rules overhaul in decades, with the 2026 season introducing a new era of regulations aimed at reshaping both the chassis and engine landscape. While these changes promise innovation and sustainability, design legend Adrian Newey has raised concerns that the new rules may initially favor power units, echoing the dominance seen in the early V6 turbo-hybrid era.
The 2026 revolution: What’s changing?
The upcoming regulations feature sweeping changes across both chassis and engine designs:
- Engine updates: The complex MGU-H thermal energy recovery system will be removed, replaced by simpler but more powerful electrical components. The internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor will work on a near 50-50 power split, powered by 100% sustainable fuels.
- Chassis adjustments: Cars will be narrower, shorter, and lighter, incorporating new aerodynamic rules to offset the increased battery weight. Adjustable bodywork will replace the traditional drag reduction system (DRS) to balance drag reduction with cornering performance.
These changes aim to attract manufacturers, exemplified by Audi’s entry into F1 and Honda’s renewed commitment through a partnership with Aston Martin.
Newey’s concerns: An engine-first formula
Newey, who will join Aston Martin as Managing Technical Partner in March 2025, believes the simultaneous overhaul of chassis and engine rules creates a high likelihood of one manufacturer dominating early on.
“There has to be a big chance that it’s an engine formula at the start,” Newey said in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport journalist Michael Schmidt. “The chassis regulations have been written to try to compensate for the power unit regulations. But if one manufacturer comes out on top, it’ll become a power unit-dominated regulation, at least initially.”
Newey warned that dominance on the combustion engine side could persist throughout the regulatory cycle due to strict development restrictions, whereas gaps in electrical performance would be easier to close.
Lessons from 2014: Mercedes’ dominance
The 2026 changes draw parallels to the 2014 regulations, which ushered in the V6 turbo-hybrid era and a period of Mercedes’ unparalleled dominance. Newey highlighted that other engine manufacturers at the time underestimated the scale of Mercedes’ preparation, and a similar scenario could unfold in 2026 despite lessons learned.
“If someone develops a dominant combustion engine, that could last through the length of the formula. It’s quite difficult for people who are behind to catch up,” Newey explained.
The learning curve at Aston Martin
Newey’s focus at Aston Martin will largely be on the 2026 project, with little involvement in the team’s 2025 car. His appointment signals Aston Martin’s intent to become a frontrunner under the new rules, leveraging Newey’s expertise to capitalize on the regulatory shake-up.
“My concentration will clearly be on ’26,” Newey said. “Whether I can really contribute anything or not [to the 2025 car], I’ve got no idea until I start.”
Challenges and opportunities ahead
The new regulations aim to balance performance, sustainability, and competition, but the road to achieving these goals is fraught with complexity:
- Aerodynamics: Significant changes are still under development to ensure the cars remain fast and capable in corners while addressing concerns about drag and overall performance.
- Weight reduction: The final weight figures remain a work in progress, as teams balance the demands of larger batteries with the push for lighter, more agile cars.
A transformative era for F1
The 2026 regulations represent F1’s most ambitious attempt to redefine the sport in half a century, with increased reliance on sustainable fuels and electric power promising a greener future. However, as Newey cautions, the initial years could see one manufacturer dominate, setting the stage for a power-unit-driven era.
For teams like Aston Martin, the challenge lies in adapting quickly, and with Newey at the helm, the team hopes to capitalize on the opportunity to establish itself as a key player in Formula 1’s next chapter.