Newey names big challenge: 'That's the other important factor'

Red Bull Racing is fighting alongside Ferrari for the world title this season. In doing so, the Austrian racing stable benefits from the experience of last race year, when Mercedes was still the direct competitor. Adrian Newey expects the battle to involve the same components.

Whereas the German racing team has been the top team in Formula 1 in recent years, Mercedes will fall well short in 2022. It gives Red Bull and Ferrari the space to fight together for the world title, with the Italians currently in the lead. However, the last race in Imola showed that anything is still possible.

It's far from over for Red Bull's legendary designer, too. "I think it’s going to be like last year," predicts Newey in the F1 Nation Podcast. He points to the battle with Mercedes in 2021, where it was mostly up to the circuit which team ended the weekend winning.

Newey is concerned with the development of the car, but knows that there are other components this season that are going to be decisive. "Development is certainly important, but the other important factor this year is the cost ceiling. It means we have to develop within those constraints."