Stefano Domenicali hits back at F1 critics: “The regulations were not my decision”. F1 boss Stefano Domenicali addresses criticism over Liberty Media and the new rules.

The Formula 1 CEO spoke with journalist Leo Turrini, pushing back against criticism aimed at Liberty Media and the sport’s current technical regulations

The long-distance back-and-forth between Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and critics of the modern era of the sport shows no sign of ending.

Many longtime fans have accused Domenicali and Liberty Media of changing Formula 1 beyond recognition, arguing that the sport has lost part of its identity while also questioning the current technical regulations. Now, the Italian manager has offered his latest response, speaking in an interview with journalist Leo Turrini, a longtime acquaintance, where he firmly rejected many of the criticisms directed at the current state of the championship.

Interview with Leo Turrini

Speaking directly to Formula 1’s more traditional supporters, Stefano Domenicali made it clear that he understands where some of the frustration comes from.

“I am one of them,” Stefano Domenicali told Leo Turrini, referring to old-school Formula 1 fans. “Even generationally, I’m a boomer, so of course I understand the views and complaints of those who rightly consider themselves ‘purists’.

“That said, the world changes and things evolve. Not automatically for the better, and sometimes corrections are necessary. But to say that modern Formula 1 is complete rubbish? No, absolutely not.”

Who decides the regulations?

On the increasingly heated debate surrounding the current technical regulations, Stefano Domenicali was keen to clarify that Formula 1 itself did not unilaterally create the rules, pointing instead to the FIA and the teams as key participants in the decision-making process.

“The fact that the new regulations have changed the way these cars are driven is not in dispute. That is true,” Stefano Domenicali confirmed. “But that has happened before, and it will happen again.

“Obviously, I did not write these regulations, and Liberty Media did not impose them. They were agreed between the international federation and the manufacturers several years ago. It is childish to present all of this as the result of some giant conspiracy. But whose conspiracy? And for what purpose?”

Stefano Domenicali also defended the broader state of Formula 1, pointing to the sport’s current commercial and audience success.

“I said things change, and right now Formula 1 has never been this popular,” he concluded. “It has never had such a strong following among young people and women.

“That certainly is not because of the new technical regulations, because this trend was already established under the previous rules, when Max Verstappen’s Red Bull was dominating. I think more balance is needed in these judgments. In Miami, we saw a spectacular race weekend.”

This interview sheds light on the internal tensions between Formula 1’s commercial growth and its technical identity. As Stefano Domenicali navigates the criticisms of the 2026 era, his focus remains on maintaining the sport’s global momentum while reminding fans that the regulatory path was a collective decision by the FIA and major manufacturers. Whether the “purists” will be swayed by record-breaking engagement numbers remains to be seen as the season progresses.