Red Bull has been on the front foot since the introduction of the ground-effect era in 2022. Despite receiving a tough fight in the first phase of that year, Red Bull has never looked back since then and has dominated the sport. However, legendary British designer Adrian Newey , who is responsible for the RB20’s design, has revealed that they are hitting the development ceiling with the current concept.
Red Bull at the hands of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, have won 41 out of the 48 races held since the start of the 2022 season. However, in recent races, the Austrian giant seems to be having closer competition. This has raised eyebrows around the paddock, and design mastermind Adrian Newey may have the answer.
The 65-year-old shared the problems he is facing with the current concept of the RB20.
In our case, we’re struggling to find the gains, if you like, in terms of aero gains in percent per month, or whatever, are flattening, without doubt.
Adrian Newey said in an interview with RacingNews365
The Red Bull stalwart seemed afraid of hitting the development ceiling and called out the plateauing development of the car. On the other hand, the statement could mean a disaster waiting in the wings for a major strike. Moreover, it would ring alarm bells in Milton Keynes as the reigning champions may not be able to continue their reign due to a lack of progress with their concept.
Adrian Newey claims 2026 regulations to be a ‘massive change’
Newey had recently highlighted the fact that F1 cars should be made faster for TV. However, with an overhaul knocking on the door (2026), cars might get slower. According to the British designer, it would bring a massive change in the grand scheme of things as engine and chassis regulations will change simultaneously.
The 65-year-old is quite surprised by the overhaul that will hit the various F1 teams from 2026 onward.
With regard to the ’26 regulations, we don’t have them yet. It’s the first time I can remember where both the chassis regulations and the power unit regulations are changed at the same time – it’s a massive change. The problem at the moment is trying to get the chassis regulations to work well with, let’s say, a rather unusual power unit regulation. Adrian Newey said in the same interview
Newey elaborated that the problem at hand is to work together with the engine department as the chassis is the skeleton of an F1 machinery. This would make teamwork an essential part of acing the regulations and would thus, lay a lot of stress on the two departments.
Keeping in view Red Bull’s dominance under the current set of regulations and how the team is preparing for 2026, Christian Horner and Co. will be the favorites to hit the ground running in the new era of the sport.
More must-reads: