Red Bull chief technical officer Adrian Newey isn’t a fan of the direction towards heavier and draggier Formula 1 cars.
This year has seen the introduction of all-new regulations designed specifically to create closer racing through the use of ground effect aerodynamics for the first time in 40 years.
Broadly, the changes appear to have worked, although thoughts the new cars could eventually lead to the removal of DRS as an overtaking aid still seem a long way off.
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Previously, Newey voiced his unhappiness about the new rules, in particular, the very tight restrictions placed on development.
But the veteran designer admits the goal is a noble one.
“I think the principle of helping cars to overtake by reducing the sensitivity of the following car to the one in front is fine,” he told Germany’s Motorsport Magazin.
“I think it helps to be able to overtake a little better. I don’t think it’s a significant change but it will help a little.
“If you make such a significant rule change, which inevitably brings with it many other changes, then it will probably lead to the field expanding further in the first few seasons.”
However, Newey’s biggest issue with the current cars is the bulk, as the minimum weight of an F1 car has increased by almost a third in the past decade or so.
“In just a few years, the weight limit has increased from a low 600kg and 30-40kg of ballast on board to cars weighing 800kg and more,” he explained.
“We are all working like crazy to make that happen to achieve the currently prescribed minimum weight (798kg).
“In short, the cars have become bigger and heavier and not particularly aerodynamically efficient because they have a lot of air resistance.
“Obviously this wrong direction is the same in which the general automotive industry has recently developed – ever larger and heavier cars.
“The people’s obsession, whether they drive on batteries or on gas, the biggest issue is the amount of energy it takes to move the damn thing, regardless of where that energy comes from.”
Reducing weight and improving efficiency are two key goals F1 has earmarked for the next change in car regulations set for 2026 to coincide with new power unit rules.
And Newey is certainly hoping that comes to fruition.
“Obviously some of the safety issues become a self-reinforcing issue. The heavier the car, the stronger it needs to be,” he said.
“In my opinion, we need smaller, lighter and more energy-efficient cars.”