Adrian Newey predicts every F1 team will be ‘struggling’ with one ‘huge challenge’ facing next season’s new cars

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The 2025 Formula 1 season has reached the halfway stage, but almost every team is now beginning to put all of their efforts into next year’s car.

Next season will see Formula 1’s 2026 regulations introduced, which are expected to be some of the biggest changes in the history of the sport.

Each team is being tasked with designing new chassis with completely different aerodynamics systems.

There are also brand new power units being created, with a much larger proportion of the power now coming from electrical means.

Aston Martin are hoping they can capitalise on the changing regulations next season to move from Formula 1’s midfield to challenging for podiums, wins and potentially even championships.

The last time an Aston Martin driver finished on the podium was Fernando Alonso at the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, while Lance Stroll hasn’t recorded a top-three finish since 2020.

Chairman Lawrence Stroll has pulled out all the stops to try and turn Aston Martin into a competitive force.

Among the moves he’s made, signing Adrian Newey from Red Bull is one of the most eye-catching, and the legendary designer has provided some interesting insight into next year’s ruleset.

READ MORE: All to know about Aston Martin managing technical partner Adrian Newey

Adrian Newey thinks F1 teams will be ‘struggling’ with the 2026 regulation changes

Newey was studying McLaren’s car at the British Grand Prix, as he looked for inspiration from the current best team on the grid.

After his visit to Silverstone, Newey was at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and interviewed by F1 commentator Harry Benjamin. 

Newey was asked how things are developing at Aston Martin ahead of next year’s regulation changes and explained: “Well, I’m the last dinosaur in the industry that still uses a drawing board, that’s true.

“For me, it’s just a language, it’s a way of developing thoughts from in here on to a medium and evolving them from there.

“The new regulations are a huge challenge. It’s the first time I think ever where there’s been a change in chassis regulations and power unit regulations at the same time.

“So, all the teams will be struggling to kind of understand how to best integrate those two changes.”

He was then asked if that reinvigorates him, and he continued: “It does. I do find regulation changes stimulating.

“There’s an opportunity for new ideas, [it’s] the same for everybody. So, I’m not saying, therefore, we’re going to do something spectacular at all, but I think it is a stimulation.”

READ MORE: All to know about Aston Martin F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Adrian Newey is already impressing behind the scenes at Aston Martin this season

Newey started work at Aston Martin in March 2025, with the main aim of working on next year’s car.

However, Newey has already optimised an update on Alonso’s car this year, and he’s regularly having conversations with other members of the team about the AMR25.

Newey was the last man in Aston Martin’s design office in the build-up to the British Grand Prix, highlighting his dedication to the project.

It may also explain just how difficult next year’s cars are to get to grips with if Formula 1’s most successful designer is talking about what a ‘huge challenge’ these new machines are.

Many people are excited to see what Newey can do at Aston Martin next year, but they’ll be equally intrigued by Red Bull’s efforts.

It’s the first regulation change they’ve tackled without Newey, and based on the progress they’ve made since his exit, it’s no wonder Max Verstappen is considering his future.