F1 rules revolution could give Red Bull edge

McLaren's Boullier suspects the change in technical regulations will play into the hands of Ricciardo and Verstappen.

When you’re on top, the last thing a team needs is a rule change.

But after dominating Formula One from the start of the1.6-litre V6 hybrid era in 2014, and winning the constructors’ titles since (and en route to do it this year), Mercedes-Benz understands that to change the technical regulations could threaten its dominance.

History shows that Adrian Newey has a wonderful record in rising to meet the challenge of newly introduced regulations.

Newey, 57, has worked as a race engineer, aerodynamicist, designer and technical director.

Considered one of the best engineers in Formula One, his creations have won over 150 grands prix. His cars have won more constructors’ championships than any other – 10 – and across three different teams.

Six drivers have won drivers' titles with Newey's designs.

After designing championship-winning F1 cars for Williams F1 and McLaren, Newey moved to Red Bull Racing in 2007, his cars winning the drivers' and constructors' championships consecutively from 2010 to 2013.

His adaptability and inventiveness is legendary and his cars also won the 1985 and 1986 CART titles.

We always figured that Newey’s genius would be a wonderful asset as he goes about conjuring a Red Bull contender for next year’s championship.

The faster, edgier 2017 F1 cars could also suit some drivers more than others. It’s no surprise to hear that McLaren racing director Eric Boullier is one of a number of people in F1 who fear that Red Bull will be the team to worry about in the redrawn contest presenting for the 2017-and-beyond F1 scene.

"For me, I'm more scared of Red Bull than any of the others because I know they can develop a car," Boullier told Autosport.

Disenchanted with the current undemanding cars, Fernando Alonso has even suggested he’ll walk away unless the challenge and excitement ratio doesn’t crank up significantly.

Boullier does sense Alonso will be satisfied with next season's cars which due to their increased down-force and better rubber will have way faster cornering speeds.

Every driver will be happier, insists Boullier, who expects the rules will allow the big F1 talents to really shine.