Adrian Newey had his doubts about the new technical rules, but after a full season with those new rules, Red Bull’s top designer is back. Newey is amazed at the freedom the designers still have and relished the challenge the new rules offer.
Seeing the new technical rules introduced for this season, Newey didn’t react very enthusiastically. He called those rules “particularly frustrating” because they would severely limit the freedom of designers who now had to work in “boxes”. Newey hoped for more freedom for the designers, although it ended up being no big deal.
“I have to admit that working on these cars has changed my mind,” says Newey Cars, engines and sports. The chassis and front wing are still quite limited, but: “There are also areas with a surprising amount of freedom, including the sides and the floor. The different sidepods are easily distinguishable, even for enthusiasts. This is good business.”
Read also: Marko doesn’t rule out Vettel’s return to Red Bull
Newey finds it even more interesting to start with this new car than the cars of recent years, when only minor changes have been made. “It’s more exciting because the cars are so new. It’s a steep learning curve for all of us,” says Red Bull’s top designer.
“Last year’s cars were the product of a long development process. The rules were centuries old. Even if the rules changed, everything worked on the same principle” Newey said.
According to Newey, the new technical rules are working as hoped. These were supposed to ensure more exciting racing because the drivers can follow each other more easily. “In the beginning there were two teams on the same level as Ferrari and Red Bull. At the end of the season, Mercedes went from strength to strength. Honestly, I expected bigger holes”, concludes the Briton.
