Newey makes striking prediction over 2026 F1 pecking order

Adrian Newey has predicted the pecking order next year will be dictated by the new power units that will come into play.

Both the engine and chassis regulations will undergo major changes in 2026, with the former element having its biggest change in 12 years.

When the current hybrid power units were introduced in 2014, Mercedes emerged with an engine that dominated the grid and left it predominantly unchallenged for several seasons.

Newey, who has won championships in various F1 eras, has predicted a similar situation is likely in 12 months.

“There has to be a big chance that it's an engine formula at the start,” Newey told Auto Motor und Sport. 

“The reality is, I can't remember another time in Formula 1 when both the chassis regulations and the engine regulations have changed simultaneously.

“In this case, the chassis regulations have 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 learned to an extent the lack of preparation the rivals of Mercedes did prior to that change [in 2014].

“There has to be a chance that one manufacturer will come out well on top, and it will become a power-unit-dominated regulation, at least to start with.”

Combustion engine key to new rules

The new power units will have an even output split between the combustion engine and the battery, which will be significantly more powerful next year.

Five manufacturers will enter their power units - Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull-Ford, Honda and Audi.

Newey has suggested it will be much more difficult for rivals to catch up if one constructor has an advantage with the combustion engine element of the unit.

“There's a chance that if it's on the combustion engine side of it, that somebody comes up with a dominant combustion engine that will last through the length of the formula,” he said.

“The way the regulations are written, it's quite difficult for people who are behind to catch up.

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

“On the fuel side, there’s flexibility in principle, but with dyno restrictions and the fact that everything's so optimised, you can't simply chuck a different fuel into an engine that hasn't been optimised for it.”