Technical guru Adrian Newey has spoken out about F1’s current balance of power, suggesting that the 2014 regulations and subsequent dominance of the sport by Mercedes and Ferrari has given them added political clout, to the detriment of the sport.
The regulation overhaul ahead of the 2014 season radically altered the landscape of F1. Downforce and aerodynamics were reduced in importance, with engine performance becoming the pre-eminent factor determining success and failure.
Mercedes’ V6 hybrid powertrain quickly emerged as the ace in the pack. Despite a difficult 2014, Ferrari’s power unit department enjoyed excellent progress during the following winter months, arriving at 2015 with a competitive package to rival the champions.
With engine performance being critical and the two manufacturers supplying a further five customers collectively, the balance of power has arguably shifted away from the governing body of late and towards Mercedes and Ferrari. The democratic politics afforded via the Strategy Group and F1 Commission has somewhat facilitated this shift.
The Renault-powered Red Bull outfit have been rather vocal in their concerns this season. The team’s Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey has illustrated his thoughts in an interview with Abu Dhabi’s The National.
“Only a works Mercedes, and possibly a works Ferrari, win championships and races because it is so dominated by the engine. The result of that is that Mercedes and Ferrari control the sport. The voting system in F1 is democratic, which in principle is good.
“But because the customer teams of Mercedes and Ferrari have to vote as their engine supplier dictates even if it is not in their interest, then it is effectively controlled by Mercedes and Ferrari.
“I hope the FIA takes control of the situation. F1 is at its healthiest when competitive engines are available for all teams. Then everybody can compete properly.”
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