Formula 1 will wait until the last possible moment before deciding whether to reschedule the Grands Prix postponed during the most intense months of the conflict in the Middle East, according to president and CEO Stefano Domenicali. Safety will remain the decisive consideration, although the championship already has alternative options available for the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
It is the most pressing deadline currently facing Stefano Domenicali. Speaking to Sky Sport F1, the Formula 1 chief explained that the decision would not be made before the final viable moment, allowing the organisation to assess every relevant risk before committing to a solution.
“We are reaching the limit for making a decision, but the situation is fairly clear to us, and we will wait until the last minute, aware that when we make our choices, we will do so knowing what the risk factors are,” Stefano Domenicali explained. He reiterated that protecting those who work in the paddock and the fans who attend the races remains the guiding principle.
However, there is no concern about the overall stability of the championship schedule. “We are not unprepared; we have different options,” he added, indicating that a Plan B is already available and ready to be activated if the opportunity to recover the affected race closes definitively. One of the alternatives discussed recently is a potential Formula 1 return to Imola.
Stefano Domenicali hails record F1 growth and Italy’s influence
Although the calendar remains the most delicate issue to resolve over the coming weeks, Stefano Domenicali described the season as nothing short of “extraordinary”. The figures, he argued, speak for themselves: global audiences have increased by more than 30%, Formula 1 is attracting a younger and more diverse following, and Grands Prix are repeatedly selling out. The championship’s wider commercial and audience momentum has already made Formula 1’s record growth in 2026 one of the season’s defining stories.
Silverstone welcomed more than 560,000 spectators, while Spa was expected to attract over 400,000 and Hungary more than 350,000. According to the Formula 1 CEO, Monza is also set to establish a new attendance record.
“Formula 1’s success is the result of everyone’s work: the teams, the promoters, those who invest and, above all, the fans who continue to follow us around the world,” Stefano Domenicali said. He also recalled that, following the Australian Grand Prix at the beginning of the year, many observers had already considered the outcome of the championship a foregone conclusion.
Ferrari’s revival changes the picture against Mercedes
From a sporting perspective, Italy has played a leading role, and Stefano Domenicali made no attempt to hide how personally significant that feels. Following Ferrari’s victories in Barcelona and at Silverstone, the Imola-born executive described the Maranello team as having rediscovered itself just when it appeared to be experiencing its greatest difficulties.
“The drivers have pushed each other. Charles Leclerc did not have an easy start to the season, but the latest results have changed things, while Lewis Hamilton’s presence has also raised the bar for a team that has improved technically,” he explained.
Ferrari’s recent results have demonstrated its potential, even though the team’s fluctuating form has also underlined how difficult it will be to sustain a championship challenge. The contrast between the Scuderia’s success at demanding circuits and its difficulties at supposedly favourable venues has added another dimension to the analysis of Ferrari’s changing SF-26 performance.
Stefano Domenicali nevertheless cautioned against excessive optimism. The championship remains long, reliability will be a decisive factor following such a profound regulatory overhaul, and he believes the real difference will be made through effective driver management and by avoiding the unnecessary loss of points.
Although Mercedes currently holds what appears to be a substantial advantage, the former Ferrari team principal warned against drawing premature conclusions. “Things can change quickly over the course of two or three races,” he said.
Kimi Antonelli’s rise brings a new generation of F1 fans
Mercedes’ campaign currently also carries the signature of another Italian. Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads the World Championship, and Stefano Domenicali spoke warmly about the attitude with which the young driver has handled his success.
“With his freshness, his spontaneity and the still-light-hearted way in which he experiences these successes, he has brought in so many new fans,” the Formula 1 CEO said. Antonelli’s position at the top can be followed through the latest Formula 1 driver standings.
The comparison with Jannik Sinner, another athlete who has become central to discussions about Italian sporting success around the world, was inevitable. “They are two different, complementary leading figures, but they share the same extraordinary concentration on what they do. It is an effect that goes beyond Formula 1 and tennis,” Stefano Domenicali explained.
In his role as Formula 1 CEO, he said he could remain objective. As an Italian, however, he readily admitted his pride: “Seeing Italian figures play a leading role in this Formula 1 can only make me happy.”
Ferrari and Kimi Antonelli expected to make Monza special
Looking ahead to Monza, Stefano Domenicali expects Ferrari’s strong period and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s championship campaign to combine and make the home Grand Prix even more spectacular than usual.
While discussing Monza’s future, he also highlighted the return of the Sprint format, which is set to expand further from next season. “It is a trend that will continue to grow. It has a direct effect on those who arrive as early as Friday because they want to experience more sporting action,” he said. Formula 1 is already preparing to increase the number of Sprint races from 2027.
Stefano Domenicali supports simpler and cheaper F1 engines
The discussion concluded with the most technical subject: Formula 1’s engines. The new power unit regulations made their debut this season following a complicated development process, but Stefano Domenicali believes the longer-term direction will involve progressive simplification.
“We must not forget why certain changes were made: they were necessary to convince the major manufacturers to stay, otherwise some teams would have been left without an engine,” he explained.
However, motorsport and road-car mobility are now moving along increasingly separate paths. According to Stefano Domenicali, this creates an opportunity for Formula 1 to adopt a simpler and less expensive power unit while keeping sustainable fuels and hybrid technology at the heart of the regulations.
He added that this direction is shared by the FIA and the overwhelming majority of those within the paddock. In the longer term, it could also reopen the door to an independent engine manufacturer, providing an additional safeguard for the championship if the strategic priorities of major carmakers change. The prospect of simpler and cheaper future Formula 1 engines has already attracted support from several leading manufacturers.
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