Adrian Newey believes that 2026 will be dominated by engines

Will the year 2026 be similar to 2014? That’s what Adrian Newey seems to suggest. The former Red Bull engineer and future technical partner at Aston Martin predicts a new era of domination by a team that would have better anticipated future changes, particularly those regarding power units, which include the use of sustainable fuel. According to him, there’s a strong chance that one of the engine manufacturers will overtake all the others in the same way Mercedes did with the arrival of hybrid engines in 2014.

Among other changes regarding the new engine regulations for 2026, the MGU-H as well as the variable trumpets and their actuation and control systems have been removed. A decision that will enhance the utility of the other energy recovery system: the MGU-K. The DRS will also be replaced by an active aerodynamic system (override system) that will give cars an extra boost on the straights to promote overtaking on the track. For Adrian Newey, the team that best adapts to these changes will be the one dominating the grid.

For Newey, a high-performance engine will be essential in 2026.

« There is a good chance that it will be a formula based on engines at the start », said the Briton to the German media Auto Motor und Sport. « There is a chance that a manufacturer might take a clear lead, and that it could become a regulation dominated by power units, at least initially. It is possible that, if this happens on the side of the internal combustion engine, a manufacturer might create a dominant engine that will remain competitive throughout this regulatory era, as the current rules make it difficult for those who are lagging behind to catch up. »

On the other hand, he thinks that if dominance does not come from the power unit, then the competition could be tight, especially with the introduction of a new chassis requiring new arrangements. « I don’t remember another time in Formula 1 when the regulations concerning the chassis and engine changed simultaneously. In this case, the chassis regulations were written to try to compensate for, let’s say, the power unit regulations. This adds an extra dimension », he explains.

Several changes of engine manufacturers in 2026

« If the domination comes from the electric side, there will be many more opportunities for catching up. As for the fuel aspect, which could also play a role, there is some flexibility in principle. » To prepare for 2026, teams seem to have chosen different approaches. While Ferrari and Mercedes continue to make their own engines for themselves and their customer teams, others have made a different decision.

Red Bull will notably welcome Ford, which will require it to manufacture its own engines for the first time. On the other hand, Aston Martin, Adrian Newey’s team, will partner with Honda as an engine supplier starting in 2026. It will therefore hand its Mercedes engine to Alpine. The French team will indeed become a Mercedes customer after ending its collaboration with the Viry-Châtillon factory.

In addition to the current teams, F1 will welcome new constructors such as Audi and Cadillac. The German manufacturer has acquired the Swiss team Sauber and will manufacture its own engines. Cadillac, which belongs to General Motors, will do the same. With all these new regulations, each team must be ready. For Aston Martin, the goal is clear: they need to focus on the next regulation. « My focus will clearly be on 2026. Without a doubt, Lawrence [Stroll, owner of Aston Martin] will want me to be somewhat involved in the 2025 car. So, whether I can really contribute or not, I have no idea until I start. »

« I have been out of Formula 1 since the end of April. I have little detailed knowledge of the new regulations. As far as power units are concerned, the rules have been established for some time, but in terms of chassis, aerodynamics, and vehicle dynamics, I don’t know much. So it will be a steep learning curve when I start », he concluded.

A difficult task awaits Adrian Newey. The ingenious Briton must be able to bring a struggling team like Aston Martin back to the front of the grid. He has already proven in the past that he can produce winning cars. Will he become the savior the British team is expecting? Only time will tell.