Newey: F1 costs set to rise

In an interview with BBC Sport Online, Newey explained that the new one-shot qualifying rule could lead to special single-lap chassis being built by the wealthier teams.

"It is a potentially enormous expense, and it doesn't bring anything to the show," he said. "It's cheque book motor racing.

"There is a real chance that people will build qualifying cars. At the moment, you need a car that is capable of 12 laps, with short turnaround between each run.

"Under the new rules, there is only one flying lap and then you put it away again - that is quite a big change in the rules."

One suggestion Newey made was that qualifying cars would not need radiators to keep temperatures in check over the short distance of one lap.

He also predicted that engine costs will rise, with manufacturers working on all-out qualifying speed without the worry of reliability.

If Newey is proved right, the new rules will have achieved the opposite of their aims: to slash costs and close up competition.