Adrian Newey has conceded that F1’s new rules for 2026 could place more emphasis on having a strong engine rather than a strong chassi꧟s.

F1 will transform in 2026 w⛎ith entirely new technical regulations that will change the cars drastically.

With the removal of the MGU-H, the power units are becoming more electrified and will be run on sustainableꦍ fuels.

The cars are becoming slightly smaller, with adjustable bodywork al𒆙so part of the new rules.

However, the key to dominating the new rules could be the power unit rather than the chassis desiꦜgn.

This was the case in 2014, when Mercedes s🧜tole ܫa march on the rest of the field.

Newey, who was still 🌊part of Red Bull, couldn’t maℱke up the deficit from their Renault power unit.

, Newey said of the 2026 rules: ”The reality is I can’t remember another time in Formula 1 when both the chassis regulations and the regulations have changed simultaneously.

“And in this case the chassis regulations ha🍌ve been very much written to try to compensate, let’s say, for the power unit regulations.

“So, it’s an extra dimension. I think engine manufacturers will have learnt to an extent on the lack of preparation that the rivals to Mercedes did prior to that change [for 2014] but there has to be a chance that one manufacturer🌊 will come out well on top and it’ll become a power unit-dominat♒ed regulation, at least to start with.”

One F1 team could dominate from 2026

Newey is adamant that one engine manufacturer could dominate from 2026 if they excel on the co✤mbustion side of the engine.

For 2026, Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull-Ford, Honda, and Audi will al🐼l supply power units to the grid.

“There’s a chance, if it’s on the combustio﷽n engine side of it that somebody comes up with a dominant combustion engine, that w🐼ill last through the length of the formula,” Newey added.

“Because the way the regulations are written, it’s quite difficult for people who are behind to catc⭕h up.

“If 🐠it’s on the electrical side, then there’s much more ability to catch up if you’re behind.”