New 2026 F1 rule cause for concern for Newey? 'Mainly meant for that'

Adrian Newey is not worried about active aerodynamics in Formula 1, which will be introduced when the new regulations take effect in 2026. The designer and chief technical officer of Red Bull Racing explains why.

Newey on active aero in F1 2026

Active aerodynamics will play a bigger role when the new regulations for the 2026 F1 season are introduced. Currently, it is already used through DRS, which has been part of F1 cars since 2011 and is meant to help overtaking. The FIA wants to introduce another system in 2026 that will have the same effect, possibly in more places than just the straight.

The idea of more active aerodynamics does not worry Newey, who is known as the aerodynamics specialist in F1. "I am not worried about it. An increase in active aero is mainly to compensate for the lack of energy from a power source. Active aero becomes essential to straighten out the power unit's lack of energy. But I don't think that's a bad thing," he said in a conversation with Motorsport.com.

Calling it "clearly a good goal" to achieve greater aerodynamic efficiency of the cars, the 65-year-old Briton thinks it is a logical development for active aerodynamics to be part of it. As an example, he cites street cars that use spoilers that move up and down: "So why not have that in racing?"