Stefano Domenicali, President of Formula 1, addressed growing concerns in the paddock about the introduction of the new technical regulations while speaking on the sidelines of pre-season testing in Bahrain. With a new regulatory cycle underway, debate has intensified among teams and drivers, but Stefano Domenicali struck a calm and confident tone.
“A new cycle always brings concern,” he explained, “but I want to reassure the fans because I was at the track myself during testing. I looked at the new cars through the eyes of a fan and I did not notice any difference in terms of speed or sound. It will be a fantastic season.”
According to the Formula 1 President, the sport is not losing its identity under the new rules. However, Liberty Media and the FIA remain open to feedback from drivers and teams regarding possible adjustments during the season.
“We must stay calm because the start of a new cycle is always very eventful. If issues emerge that require intervention, we will sit down with a constructive approach within the F1 Commission. There has already been a very open discussion to understand which areas can be addressed to further improve the show, including the more complex way of driving this new car from the driver’s perspective.”
As is often the case with major regulation changes in Formula 1, the early phase of the championship will inevitably become a testing ground for the future direction of the sport.
“At the beginning there will certainly be some slippery points, but we must not react emotionally after the first races,” the F1 chief added. “We need to let the season develop, and I am confident we will see intense competition. Whenever something new is introduced, there is always doubt — that something is wrong, that everything is mistaken, and that the previous regulations were better. I remember 2014 very well, and also 2021. It is always like this: initially there are doubts, but Formula 1 as a system has proven that the technical solutions introduced have always helped teams become faster and drivers perform at their best.”
Stefano Domenicali underlined that the openness to potential improvements is total. “If there is something useful that can be implemented immediately, we will do it. I have seen a very open approach from the FIA and also from the teams, who are sharing data and showing a common approach to solving the issues on the table.”
The key element, he stressed, will be cohesion between the FIA, Formula 1, and the teams throughout the championship. “The dialogue between the FIA, Formula One, and the teams is constant. Of course, this does not mean changing the rules every week, but having the maturity to intervene when necessary, respecting the regulatory framework and finding agreement with the teams.”
Entertainment remains central to the Formula 1 product, alongside an even stronger focus on sustainability under this new regulatory era.
“Formula One must remain true to its identity, but it cannot ignore the evolution of the world,” explained Stefano Domenicali. “Sustainability is not an option; it is a responsibility. We have invested heavily in sustainable fuels, which are a fundamental part of our future. This represents a real contribution to the global automotive industry. The balance between performance, spectacle, and sustainability is the core point for us. We are not losing our identity; we are simply evolving it.”
Looking at the history of Formula 1, technological transformation has always been part of its DNA. “If we look at the history of Formula One, every era has had its technological transformations, and this is simply another new chapter for us.”
One of the most anticipated changes concerns overtaking, as the new regulations affect not only the power units but also the aerodynamics of the cars.
“The objective of the regulations was precisely to facilitate overtaking by reducing aerodynamic degradation when following another car closely. From the first impressions in testing, we see that the cars are more stable and easier to follow. This should translate into more overtaking opportunities. Naturally, much will depend on the drivers and strategies, but overall I believe the fans will see more action on track.”
While the number of Grands Prix will remain unchanged in the coming years, Stefano Domenicali confirmed that the number of Sprint races could increase.
“People want action across all three days of a race weekend,” he assured. “That is what feedback from fans, circuits, and promoters tells us. So we are discussing increasing the number of Sprints and possibly introducing a different format that alternates with the Sprint. But this is still something we are working on.”
Every decision, Stefano Domenicali concluded, will be taken at the right time. For now, the focus must remain on a new Formula 1 season that promises close competition, regulatory evolution, and careful attention from every stakeholder in the sport.
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