Newey: Only Mercedes and Ferrari can win the F1 title

Before a single Formula 1 wheel turns in 2016, Adrian Newey says only Mercedes and Ferrari are in a position to win the world championship, but does provide suggestions for the rules

Arguably one of the best and most famous Formula 1 designer of all time, the 56-year-old Briton has taken a step back at Red Bull.

Newey does not hide his frustrations with the sport at present and told Asian Age, "What's now unhealthy about Formula 1 is that it is dominated by engines."

"The chassis regulations are very tight, but the engine rules have scope for experiment. We are in a situation where only Mercedes and Ferrari are strong enough to win championships. And they eventually control the sport. I hope the FIA takes control of the situation," Newey added.

Indeed, some are predicting that Newey's interest in F1 could be re-fired for 2017 and 2018, when drastically different chassis and engine rules are touted to be introduced.

"I have always enjoyed rule changes," he admitted. "It gives you a fresh opportunity to experiment. The actual physical engine has to be the same [in the future]."

"The second one could be to increase the number of manufacturers competing in the championship. The other thing the FIA can bring in is that they can have a standard FIA engine, which will be competitive for all teams," ventured Newey.

Earlier this year Newey said of the current era F1, "The chassis regulations have become over-restricted, and the problem for us is that the cars all look the same, and it’s difficult to differentiate from my point of view as designer. (It’s) difficult to find new avenues. I do feel we have become over-restricted."

Newey designed cars have won ten Formula 1 world championships for Williams, McLaren and most recently Red Bull.