Adrian Newey ‘furious’ as Christian Horner Announces to join M…read more
Adrian Newey has reportedly been left seething after the FIA ruled that a controversial interpretation of the 2026 Formula 1 power unit regulations remains legal, a decision that could hand a significant performance advantage to rivals Mercedes and Red Bull.
The Aston Martin team principal, who only recently took up his role following his high-profile exit from Red Bull, is understood to be deeply frustrated by the governing body’s stance on what many in the paddock believe is a major regulatory loophole. The disputed area centres on the next-generation hybrid engines set to debut in 2026, with insiders suggesting that Mercedes and Red Bull may have uncovered a clever workaround that could be worth as much as three-tenths of a second per lap — a potentially decisive margin at the elite level of Formula 1.
Sources indicate that Ferrari, Audi and Honda were quick to raise concerns once the implications of the loophole became clear. All three manufacturers reportedly pushed for urgent clarification, fearing that the regulations were being stretched beyond their intended limits. However, after a high-level meeting with the FIA on Thursday, their protests were effectively dismissed, with the governing body concluding that the designs in question fall within the letter of the rules.
That verdict has not gone down well in certain quarters. Newey, renowned for his meticulous attention to regulatory detail and competitive fairness, is said to view the decision as a failure to uphold the spirit of the new regulations. While Aston Martin has not issued an official statement, paddock whispers suggest that the team fears being forced into costly and time-consuming development changes simply to remain competitive.
The controversy adds yet another layer of tension to an already politically charged build-up to the 2026 season, a year that promises sweeping technical changes and a reshaped competitive order. With engine performance expected to play a defining role, even a small advantage could tilt the championship balance.
As the engine debate continues to simmer, another major storyline has emerged involving one of Formula 1’s most powerful figures. Christian Horner, the former Red Bull team principal who was dismissed last year after two decades at the helm, is now officially in talks over a sensational return to the sport.
Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has confirmed that discussions are underway, putting an end to weeks of speculation. Speaking at Alpine’s 2026 car launch, Briatore acknowledged that rumours linking Horner to the French team were grounded in truth.
“Negotiations are happening,” Briatore admitted, stopping short of providing further detail but making it clear that the idea of Horner returning to the F1 paddock is very much alive.
Horner has been strongly linked with a move that would see him acquire a 24 per cent stake in Alpine, a share currently held by investment firm Otro Capital. Such a deal would mark a dramatic shift in Alpine’s leadership structure and could signal a more aggressive, results-driven approach as the team looks to re-establish itself as a front-runner under the new regulations.
For Horner, a return with Alpine would represent both redemption and unfinished business. Widely regarded as one of the most successful team principals in modern F1 history, his potential comeback could significantly alter the competitive and political dynamics of the sport.
With regulatory disputes intensifying and heavyweight figures circling major roles, Formula 1’s 2026 season is already shaping up to be one of the most explosive in years — long before a single car turns a wheel.
