aerodynamics

New regulations in 2026 see a much more efficient engine and tweaks to the aerodynamics and tyres, which F1 and the sport’s governing body the FIA hope will improve the show yet further.

Add to that a motorsport which relies heavily on aerodynamics to make the cars jaw-droppingly fast around corners - but difficult to follow behind in order to overtake - and you start to see why the sport has often swung from one 0-0 draw to another over the years.

But some of Red Bull’s apparent lack of understanding of how to fix their car’s problems surely will be, for Newey combines a genius for aerodynamics with unrivalled experience, great expertise and insight as a race engineer, and what Damon Hill describes as a "unique gift" for understanding what drivers need from their cars.

As he pointed out, the new aerodynamics rules for 2026 will be released at the beginning of January, and he does not start work until March.

He joins forces again with technical director Dan Fallows, who was head of aerodynamics at Red Bull under Newey before joining Aston Martin in early 2022.