Adrian Newey has warned Formula 1 bosses that it risks looking like a one-make series, what he describes as GP1 – a step above GP2 and GP3 which run identical chassis.
The design guru will take a step back from the sport next season to work on other Red Bull projects and he admits the restrictive regulations played a part in his decision.
“There have been a whole host of factors playing their parts in my decision to leave F1, and a lot of mixed emotions,” he told MotorSport Magazine.
“I felt it was time to challenge myself in something different and that’s certainly a factor, but at the same time I do think the regs have become too restrictive. We’re in danger, chassis-wise, of becoming GP1.
“Everybody’s converging on cars that look more and more similar. We’re back to ‘paint the cars white and it’s difficult to spot the difference’ – especially next year when we even lose the different noses.”
The situation might not improve any time soon, with plans to introduce standardised parts within a few years.
