Newey criticizes the new F1
Adrian Newey explains why he thinks the new regulations are not heading in the right direction, not only technologically, but also from a sporting perspective.
The stated goal of the new regulation is to be more technologically relevant compared to the average person’s car, particularly in terms of energy efficiency, energy recovery, and reduced fuel consumption.
For Adrian Newey, the question is more complex than it seems. In fact, when asked to compare the new and old regulations, he replies: « The real answer to this question is very complicated. »
It is explained in two points: « From a technical point of view, firstly, you must think globally. When considering the issue of batteries, an electric car is only environmentally friendly if its energy source is green. If this energy is produced by a coal-fired power plant, it is not environmentally friendly at all. As for hybrid cars, like the 2014 F1 models, a lot of energy is spent in the manufacturing of these batteries and the car, which is why they are so expensive. Whether your carbon footprint is positive or negative then depends on the lifespan of the car, what its mileage will be, whether it drives at a constant speed on a highway or in city driving. Therefore, the concept that a hybrid car is automatically environmentally friendly is a very simplistic shortcut. »
Regarding Formula 1, he adds: « Furthermore, if you want to make a car more fuel-efficient, there are other ways to do it for the same cost. You can make it lighter or more aerodynamic, areas in which Formula 1 excels. For example, this year, due to the hybrid engine, F1 cars are 10% heavier, so, to be perfectly honest, from a technical standpoint, it’s debatable. »
Finally, he believes that: « From a sporting perspective, for me, efficiency, strategy, economy… That’s good for sports cars, which is a slightly different way of racing. But Formula 1 should be exciting. It should be a man and a machine, at their maximum on every lap. »
