Red Bull's Adrian Newey predicts slower Formula 1 cars with new regulations for 2026

Red Bull's Adrian Newey has voiced his concerns over the forthcoming set of technical regulations for Formula 1, suggesting that the changes are likely to significantly slow down the cars.

Newey believes that the current generation of F1 cars may be the fastest we'll see for some time, as designers and engineers grapple with the proposed rule changes scheduled for 2026.

"It's all controlled by regulation," said Newey during a recent interview on the Talking Bull podcast. "If we didn't have regulations, F1 cars would be ridiculous, like rocket ships. Safety would become a grave concern, not to mention the tire failures due to the excessive downforce we could develop."

Newey also expressed sympathy for the tire manufacturers, stating, "The tire manufacturers already face challenges; without regulations, they simply wouldn't be able to handle the load."

The potential speed reduction is a result of the FIA's six initial goals for the 2026 chassis regulations, which were unveiled during an F1 Commission meeting last year.

These goals include a focus on sustainability, improved close racing, reduced car dimensions, minimized mass, enhanced safety, and the incorporation of electric power and sustainable fuels into new power units.

While the new regulations aim to address various concerns and promote sustainability, they also pose a threat to the sheer speed and performance that F1 cars currently exhibit.

Newey's comments reflect the anxieties shared by many in the motorsport industry, who worry that the proposed changes may result in a noticeable decrease in speed and thrill for F1 fans.