Formula 1 is in no rush to introduce more technical F1 TV graphics showing increasingly detailed data about how drivers tackle each corner. Stefano Domenicali says feedback from the sport’s growing audience indicates that the vast majority of viewers are more interested in on-track action than granular information such as throttle position or brake pressure.
Fans hoping to see overlays comparing the remaining battery charge of two drivers fighting for position may therefore have to wait. The feature has not necessarily been ruled out for the future—in Budapest, for example, small virtual batteries reappeared above the Halo during onboard coverage of the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix—but Domenicali insists it is not currently a priority.
Are more technical F1 TV graphics really necessary?
The limited amount of technical information displayed during broadcasts is not, as some suggested over recent race weekends, an attempt to conceal or censor the difficulties associated with the new generation of Formula 1 cars. According to Domenicali, the explanation is much simpler: most new fans have little interest in the more technical details.
The Formula One Group president and CEO believes the sport’s expanding audience is primarily interested in battles between drivers and does not want the spectacle to become lost beneath excessive information.
Stefano Domenicali explains Formula 1’s broadcast approach
Speaking during a press conference also attended by FormulaPassion.it, Stefano Domenicali explained: “Nobody cares how the drivers drive their cars, because what people care about is whether the driver is thinking or not. That applies to the vast majority of people, although I agree that some are focused on more detailed aspects, which are still very important.”
“It is like when we had DRS, with people who were interested in the action and not the reason why the overtake was made. So I think those who are so focused on certain aspects need to have the right information, while bearing in mind that everyone else just wants to see what is happening on track.”
The former Ferrari team principal added that detailed telemetry does not define how most viewers experience a battle between two Formula 1 drivers.
“People are not interested in throttle angle or changes in brake pressure to understand how one driver can overtake another. Think, for example, of that incredible overtake by Max Verstappen on Lewis Hamilton in Hungary… Those are the moments people want to see, linking them to the quality of the drivers.”
“In the end, it is about the driver maximising the performance of their car, regardless of whether that comes from braking, acceleration or power supplied—or not supplied—by the electrification. That is what I think is happening.”
“Naturally, for a niche section of our fanbase, these data are relevant and are available. But as I said, for the vast majority of everyone else, that is the feedback we receive.”
From Star Wars to Car Wars: George Lucas offers his view
Formula 1 could eventually move towards simplifying its television coverage even further. Domenicali discussed that possibility in Budapest with celebrated director, screenwriter and producer George Lucas, best known for creating the Star Wars saga.
George Lucas is also a passionate Formula 1 fan who tries to attend several races from the paddock each year. His observations gave the F1 CEO another perspective on what newer viewers expect from the sport.
“On Saturday I had an interesting discussion with George Lucas, who was in Hungary, and he offered me an incredible perspective on how new fans watch F1,” Stefano Domenicali said.
“I think he gave us an incredibly clear view of how we can genuinely simplify things, because new fans do not understand the reality or what happens behind the scenes. They are fascinated by the fact that there is so much action,” Stefano Domenicali concluded.
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