Formula 1 aims to quickly solve qualifying issues as Domenicali leads regulatory review
There is one point that Stefano Domenicali wanted to make very clear: Formula 1 is working on the issues that have emerged, but without impulsive reactions. The debate around the regulations, already heated since the opening race in Australia and growing race by race, is very real. So is the need to intervene, especially on a topic that is generating increasing concern in the paddock: qualifying.
Domenicali: F1 working to overcome the issues
In an interview with Autosport, the CEO of Formula 1 drew a clear line, defending the work carried out together with the FIA, teams and drivers, but without avoiding confrontation. “We are managing the situation in the right way, without panic.”
This statement summarises the chosen approach: no rushed decisions, but a structured review supported by scheduled meetings and a technical analysis involving all stakeholders.
However, Stefano Domenicali did not hide a certain frustration towards some of the criticism that has emerged in recent weeks: “I don’t like people who criticise just for the sake of criticising.” This is not a closure to dialogue, quite the opposite. The CEO openly acknowledged that some areas require attention, starting precisely with the Saturday format.
“I certainly accept criticism regarding certain situations that we need to manage, mainly related to qualifying. Qualifying has always been the moment when the driver must push to the limit and see what the physical boundaries of the car and the driver are. It is an aspect we are working on these weeks, together with the drivers and teams, coordinated by the FIA, to understand what the correct adjustment could be without losing direction.”
The issue is clear: energy management, with the current 50/50 balance between internal combustion and electric power, is changing the very nature of the flying lap. In some situations, performance becomes too dependent on deployment strategy, reducing the importance of pure driver skill.
F1 – April is the key month
The April meetings are designed exactly for this purpose. After an initial discussion has already taken place, the calendar includes further meetings on the 20th and 26th of the month: a review of the sporting regulations, a renewed focus on the technical rules, and finally a synthesis expected before the Miami weekend.
In the meantime, several incidents have helped accelerate the internal debate. Among them, Oliver Bearman’s crash at Suzuka, which brought renewed attention to how energy management can affect not only performance, but also safety and the clarity of qualifying sessions.
Stefano Domenicali, however, urges everyone not to lose sight of the bigger picture. The current regulations were created from a very specific decision, shared with manufacturers. “I think it is very important to remember why we changed the rules as an ecosystem. Five years ago, manufacturers believed the only way to increase their involvement in motorsport was to adopt a 50-50 split or find the right balance between the internal combustion engine and electrification. That was the starting point.”
A structural change, therefore, which inevitably comes with an adjustment phase. “Without a doubt, the regulations need to be improved, as always when something completely new is introduced, because such a radical change has never been seen before. But that was the reason.”
The challenge now is to find the right balance between technical innovation and sporting spectacle, without losing the identity of the category. “I think the conversations that have been ongoing for many months with the FIA, with the teams and now even more with the drivers are heading in the right direction. Meetings are scheduled this week and also next week before Miami to see what can be done to improve or adjust the situation.”
The goal is to reach a shared solution in the short term. “We hope that before Miami the FIA will inform us about what adjustment will be made, taking into account two aspects. The first is qualifying. And on the other side, of course, ensuring that some of the concerns raised by the drivers are properly addressed.”
The final message is straightforward: Formula 1 is not standing still, but it also does not intend to chase noise. Changes will come, but they will be the result of a process, not a reaction.
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