Adrian Newey Believes Engine Development Will Become More Important in F1

Red BullRed BullAustria, 2004 > present12 models
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Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey believes that engine development will begin to play a larger role in Formula 1. The sport is changing engine designs from the current 2.4-liter V8s to turbocharged 1.6-liter V6s in 2014. The FIA is also cracking down on aerodynamic exploits over the past few years, which will make engine power even more important. 

Newey believes that there will be a dominant engine, and the teams that use that engine supplier will have an advantage. 

"In 2014, you will have the variation in engine performance. That means the engine power unit itself, which is not only the internal combustion engine but also the various recovery systems bolted to it. It is possible that one manufacturer will do significantly better than the others, at which point you might end up with that manufacturer's cars at the front of the grid. You could end up with an engine manufacturers' championship," said Newey.

The FIA has been especially punitive towards Newy's interpretation of the aerodynamic rules. It banned blown diffusers last year and recently banned the Red Bull's engine map that produced more exhaust gases to help the rear wing. Although, other teams have felt the FIA's crackdown. MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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has had its DRS blown front wing banned, and LotusLotusUnited Kingdom, 1952 > present68 models
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had its anti-dive system banned before the season began. 

It appears that the only way left for teams to find speed is through engine development. 

Source: Autosport