F1 News: Red Bull designer Newey calls for changes to car’s aerodynamics.
F1 News: Red Bull designer Newey calls for changes to car’s aerodynamics.
Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s technical director, is known as the mastermind behind the RB19, the rocket ship that propelled the team to victory in 2023, and has discovered that improving aerodynamics is just as important in Formula 1 racing as it is in road cars . Because advances in elite motorsports often seep into everyday cars. The sport is set to receive a major overhaul in 2026, including the replacement of traditional Formula 1 combustion engines with streamlined V6s and electric motors. In addition to these changes, there are reports that the rules will evolve and place greater emphasis on improving aerodynamic performance. Since 2011, Speed Reduction Systems (DRS) have been used on straight sections of race tracks to improve the acceleration of F1 cars. However, FIA head of single-seater racing Nicolas Tombazis said the cornering DRS concept is also being considered for future Formula 1 races. Newey also explains that “to achieve less drag, there will inevitably be a change in wing angle from a straight line,” which Newey believes is a “good goal” rather than a bad goal.
Asked by Motorsport.com about the increased use of aerodynamics in F1, Newey said:
“It’s not my part-time job.
“Active aerodynamics actually tries to compensate for a powertrain lacking power. “Active aerodynamics will be important to compensate for the lack of power from the power source, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. “Trying to drive to maximize the aerodynamic efficiency of the car is a good goal.
“Why shouldn’t active aerodynamics be part of it?” Eventually, it became part of the machine.”
More aerodynamics in Formula 1 means future road cars will be faster
Newey then revealed how road cars benefit from the technological innovations of Formula 1. He added:
“You see a lot of cars with spoilers going up and down on the boot lid. “Why isn’t there something like this in Gyeongju?” Active aerodynamics didn’t get a bad name until the wings fell apart in the 60s. We are far from that now.
“F1 was a good way to popularize road cars in general. “Looking back, it had something like disc brakes.
“But [there are also] carbon fiber sports cars, fake or real carbon fiber, etc.
“Everything luxury buyers want to associate, manufacturers naturally provide those associations. “Active aerodynamics should be the future of road cars, so it’s only fitting that Formula 1 showcases its strengths.”
