Adrian Newey has expressed concern that Formula 1 is effectively turning into a one-make series because the rules surrounding the cars design are becoming too restrictive.
As new innovations come along, they’re often banned the next season because of the cost involved in developing them or the fact they take advantage of ‘grey’ areas in the rules.
For example the F-duct, double diffuser and next season Coanda exhausts will be outlawed. The Red Bull designer believes that’s leading to stagnation and he fears fans will be turned away.
“If the regulations continue to become ever more restrictive we’ll eventually get the point where the car’s more or less designed by the rulebook,” Newey told Autosport.
“You’ll then have, effectively, GP1 cars where the differentiators are the engine and the driver. For me, it’s not Formula 1.”
The 54-year-old believes F1’s technical side is part of the reason core-fans tune in, and he says the sport risks losing them if the rules continue to discourage innovation.
“One of the big things that differentiates Formula 1 from almost all other sports, with perhaps the exception of the Americas Cup, is that combination of man and machine,” he added.
“You can have a great car with an average driver and you won’t win, a great driver with an average car you won’t win. It’s about both.
“I think the public appreciate that and you’d have to say, at the moment, if you judge this season and indeed last season the blend seems to be about right.”
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