Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has expressed strong confidence in the 2026 regulation changes, firmly rejecting the criticisms raised by several teams and drivers over the design of the new-generation single-seaters.
With the 2026 Formula 1 season approaching, the new cars are already in the final stages of development. The incoming technical regulations will represent the most significant rule change in the history of the sport. This has inevitably generated apprehension within the paddock, with teams voicing concerns about various aspects of the rules. Among the most hotly debated topics is the issue of the new power units, which will feature an even higher degree of electrification. This shift has dampened some of the initial enthusiasm, as not all teams appear to have found the optimal solution yet, potentially leading to notable performance gaps between competitors.
Speaking to The Race, Stefano Domenicali stated that he is not at all worried about the new regulations. On the contrary, he appeared highly optimistic, suggesting that the concerns expressed by certain teams are simply the classic tactical manoeuvres that tend to accompany any major regulatory overhaul.
“There are two ways to approach new regulations,” Domenicali explained. “One is tactical, and that is the game the teams are playing… which leads to certain statements and public opinions. They have an agenda that does not necessarily align with what we believe, and that drives them to make those kinds of comments.
The second reason is that we are still in an evolutionary process. I recall that the discussions we had earlier this year with the FIA, the teams, and the drivers are already very different from the conversations we are having today. Even before the regulations officially come into force, we are already seeing progress and positive developments.
For example, at the start, I often heard people saying ‘lift and coast, lift and coast’. Now, that argument is almost disappearing. It still exists in perhaps two or three scenarios, but I am confident that the working relationship between the teams and the FIA is strong. Ultimately, they are the ones who must ensure that any necessary fine-tuning of the regulations is carried out.”
No rule changes after Melbourne
As is often the case with a major regulation change, the possibility of early issues with the new cars — which could initially widen performance gaps — has been acknowledged by Domenicali. However, the Formula 1 CEO believes the right approach is to allow the rules to evolve naturally, giving teams the time to adapt and stabilise their performance before considering any mid-season adjustments.
When asked how Formula 1 plans to address any initial setbacks in 2026, Stefano Domenicali explained: “The mindset is to be open to understanding what is happening.
Right now, there are so many theories that anything seems possible. The right thing to do is, first and foremost, avoid overreacting, because in our history in Formula 1 we have seen that sometimes there has been an overly cautious approach, only for things to later develop in a completely different way.
So, I would say: let’s wait and see where we are. And then, if there is a need for adjustments, we should not rush to make them immediately. There will be time to wait a little and fully understand exactly what we are dealing with.
It is entirely possible that some teams or manufacturers are already thinking of ways to exploit the benefits of the new rules in their car development. Our approach will always be one of curiosity. There will be incredible attention on the first race of the year… but it is important to give the necessary time and maintain proper dialogue with the FIA and the teams to see if there are major elements we might have overlooked.”
The 2026 cars are a great opportunity
Stefano Domenicali therefore remains very confident about the potential of the 2026 cars, convinced that all the technical innovations will bring both innovation and excitement to the sport.
“It is a great opportunity,” he said. “There are so many innovations that it will be like discovering a whole new world.
We may even have pleasant surprises, because it is not just about the power units and energy management. It is also about the fact that the cars will be fundamentally different. The way you manage the car, the way you are able to set it up without destroying the tyres… there are so many things we will learn next year.
I am quite certain that if we take a snapshot after the first race in Melbourne and then another at the final round in Abu Dhabi, we will be looking at two very different worlds.”
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