Adrian Newey believes that a single engine manufacturer is likely to dominate Formula 1 when the new regulations for 2026 come into effect.
The all-new rules, which include sweeping changes to both power units and chassis, are expected to create a unique challenge for teams and manufacturers. Newey, who left Red Bull last year to join the ambitious Aston Martin team, says the simultaneous overhaul of both engine and chassis regulations could result in a formula dominated by power units.
"The reality is that I can't think of another time in Formula 1 where the chassis and engine regulations have changed simultaneously," Newey told Auto Motor und Sport. "And in this case, the chassis rules have largely been written to try to compensate for the power unit rules. So that's another dimension."
Newey, who will begin working at Aston Martin's Silverstone base in March, believes mastering the new 2026 package from the outset is crucial.
"I think there is a strong possibility that it will be an engine-dominated formula at the start," the 66-year-old said.
The Briton likened the situation to 2014 when Mercedes dominated the sport at the start of the turbo-hybrid era, leaving its rivals scrambling to catch up for years.
"I think the engine manufacturers will have learned something from the lack of preparation that Mercedes' rivals had before that change," he explained.
However, Newey warned that the new regulations could make it difficult for underperforming manufacturers to close the gap if one engine maker secures an early advantage.
"There is the potential for one manufacturer to stand out far above the rest and for the regulations to be dominated by power units, at least initially," he said.
Newey added that the duration of such dominance would depend on whether the advantage comes from the combustion engine or the hybrid electric systems.
"If the advantage is on the combustion engine side, someone can develop a dominant engine that is maintained for the entire duration of the formula," he explained. "But if the advantage is on the electric side, there is much more scope to make up ground if you are behind."
Despite his concerns, Newey admitted that he is yet to fully immerse himself in the new rules, given his absence from Formula 1 since April 2024.
"I've been out of Formula 1 since April, so the truth is that I don't know everything about the rules at the moment," Newey said. "So that will be a quick learning curve when I start."
