Newey, Red Bull, and 2010

‘Tis the season to be hopeful and I am currently hopeful about the 2010 Regulations thanks to the words of Adrian “bad vest” Newey.

Sure we all remember the yearly announcement by Adrian Newey that he was leaving F1 for good and heading into the world of boat racing – it was predicable – like the annual argument between Bernie and the BRDC about Silverstone. However, Newey was convinced to stay in F1 at the new Red Bull Racing outfit, where, after working out some kinks, the guy and the team have really shined. Sure, he was probably blocked by the McLaren lifestyle but also the new technical regs and the freedom technical people have been given even if the people do prefer paper to computers.

This got me thinking about how technical regulations have to find that balance between cost/stability and new/exciting. If the pendulum swings to far in either direction, the whole thing comes apart at the seems but find the right spot and the sport thrives. The regs have to force teams to be creative and push the envelope but not driven solely by money or figuring out the changes first.

This idea was hit home for me by the following Newey quote:

I think overall, of course, it is easy to be frustrated. Motor racing is full of ifs and buts – but the reality is that if you said 12 months ago, you are going to win six races and finish second in the world championship, then obviously I would have bitten your hand off.

The success of RBR surprised even the giant brain that is Adrian Newey and he is optimistic about what next year’s regs bring to the sport.

Personally, I hope he’s being truthful and not just being churned through the PR machine because true technical evolution is what F1 needs. Of course, I want privateers in the sport and while I think that’s impossible in the current environment, the prospect of 2010 still makes me hopeful that the new technical regulations have found the proper sport to make the sport enjoyable.

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