In an interview with Autosport, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali returned to the 2026 regulations and the criticism surrounding them, delivering a firm reminder of why the sport changed in the first place.
“I think it is very important to remember why we changed the regulations. The current rule set exists because five years ago — and it feels like fifty — manufacturers believed the only way to progress and stay involved in motorsport was to go 50:50, fully electric, or find a balance between combustion and hybrid systems.
“If we look at what is happening now in the automotive industry, there is a shift back towards hybrid solutions and internal combustion engines running on sustainable fuels. And this is something we will discuss in future power unit talks.”
Meetings are already taking place between the FIA, Formula 1 and engine manufacturers to try to improve the current situation ahead of Miami:
“We have already met and we will meet again next week to see what can be done to improve things before Miami. We are considering two main areas: the first is qualifying — trying to stay as close as possible to full power or full braking conditions; the second is safety, taking into account some of the drivers’ concerns.”
Criticism over overtaking
The Imola-born CEO then addressed on-track action, which some have labelled “artificial” and lacking authenticity:
“Some people say they are artificial. But what does ‘artificial’ mean? An overtake is an overtake. And people have short memories, because in the turbo era in the 1980s, there was lift and coast, different turbo modes, different speeds, and you had to save fuel during the race because the tank was too small to reach the finish.” – the former Ferrari team boss explained.
Drivers on the grid during the Japanese Grand Prix start phase
“Maybe some of the older people criticising or commenting have short memories. If you look back at the 1980s and the turbo era, these things already existed. It is part of the game, you have to adapt in the right way. Overall, the reaction from fans has been very positive. I am looking forward to Miami to see what the outcome of the changes will be.”
But are fans really satisfied? The reality may be different
Stefano Domenicali’s comments certainly raise important questions about Liberty Media’s direction, but the issue of overtaking cannot simply be dismissed as “short memory”. This is not criticism for the sake of it.
If a large part of the audience reacts negatively, it is not due to bias, but because they clearly remember wheel-to-wheel battles filled with raw emotion and adrenaline, when drivers were not thinking about battery deployment or lifting to save energy.
Fans know exactly what they experienced — and what they feel has been lost. Even drivers themselves often feel constrained by the current regulations. The two perspectives align: this is not about forgetting the past, but about respecting what Formula 1 once delivered.
Perhaps the real challenge is to truly listen to the audience, rather than dismiss their perception. While waiting for Miami, all eyes remain on the upcoming meetings between the FIA and the manufacturers.
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