– Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali is confident that the sport will make the necessary adjustments to improve the regulations for 2026. However, he also emphasizes that Formula 1 has the right foundation to make the new rules successful, pointing to fan analyses that show interest in the sport is at an all-time high.
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“I see an incredible result regarding the positive feedback from the broad fan base about how this affects the racing,” Domenicali says in an exclusive interview with the global language edition of Motorsport.com about the new regulations.
At the same time, he also emphasizes that he is aware of the weaknesses of the new rules. Especially the energy management, which in qualifying leads to drivers having to lift earlier instead of going full throttle, is criticized by many: “I definitely take the criticism of certain situations seriously, which we need to manage – especially regarding qualifying,” he says.
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“Qualifying has always been the place where a driver has to push as hard as possible to see where the physical limits of the car and the driver really lie. This is an area where we are working together with the drivers and teams under the coordination of the FIA in recent weeks to find the right adjustment without losing the overall direction.”
“We are approaching this calmly, without panic, on a solid foundation and ready to consider various options,” Domenicali says.
The Formula 1 stakeholders – including the teams, the governing body FIA, and representatives of the engine manufacturers – are currently holding a series of meetings to develop short-term rule adjustments. These could already address the biggest concerns at the Miami Grand Prix next month.
“Regulations definitely need to be improved”
The biggest regulation change in generations was driven by the need to retain existing manufacturers and attract newcomers. Companies like Audi, Ford, and General Motors are involved to varying degrees, while Honda reversed its original decision to withdraw.
Since Renault recently withdrew as an engine manufacturer, there were fears that without considering industry wishes, only Ferrari and Mercedes would have remained on board.
“I think it is very important to remember why we changed the regulations as an ecosystem,” Domenicali explains. “Five years ago, manufacturers thought the only way to engage in motorsport was a 50-50 split or the right balance between combustion engine and electrification. That was the starting point.”
“The regulations definitely need to be improved, as always when something is completely new – especially since this development step has never been so big. But that was the reason for it,” says the Italian.
Meanwhile, the automotive industry in general has begun to reassess its aggressive turnaround towards electric vehicles. Domenicali therefore expects that the upcoming discussions about the next rule cycle in five years will “definitely look different.” The breakthrough of sustainable fuels could open the door for a return to V8 engines with a smaller hybrid component.
In the meantime, Formula 1 places importance on respecting the investments of current manufacturers while simultaneously protecting the DNA of the series and finding a balance: The diverse fan groups should remain excited and the drivers must stand behind the project.
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Polls say: Formula 1 is great!
While some fans loudly criticize the rules – partly influenced by negative feedback from the drivers – Formula 1’s own metrics show increasing interest. The first three sold-out races of the 2026 season in Australia, China, and Japan all recorded rising on-site attendance.
Additionally, Formula 1 states that TV ratings in its key markets have increased by an average of 25 percent year-over-year.
“When I look at the surveys worldwide among new Formula 1 fans, the result is great. Everyone says: ‘What’s going on?’ Lots of action – and that’s exactly what people want to see,” Domenicali says.
That is why the Italian advocates for a calm, constructive dialogue about how the Formula 1 product can be improved. People who criticize Formula 1 just for the sake of criticism, in his opinion, would have “zero effect.”
“Generally speaking, it’s great when we discuss something because that generates a constructive debate,” he said. “What I don’t like are people who love to criticize. Criticizing for the sake of criticizing helps no one and really has zero effect.”
“I think the discussions that have been going on for many months with the FIA, the teams, and now increasingly with the drivers are heading in the right direction. There are meetings this week and next before Miami to see what can be done to improve or adjust the situation.”
“Hopefully, the FIA will inform before Miami about which adjustments will be made. There are two aspects: First, qualifying, to ensure that you can drive as much as possible at full power or full braking. And on the other hand, of course, to ensure that certain concerns of the drivers are addressed in the right way.”
Domenicali: Nobody complained in the 80s either!
Domenicali does not consider the increase in overtaking due to the battery as artificial. He draws parallels to the extreme coasting in the turbo era of the 80s, when drivers fought to reach the finish without running out of fuel.
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Additionally, Formula 1 used DRS as an overtaking aid until last year, which was initially considered artificial but helped the series to liven up the action while the cars otherwise had difficulty following each other closely.
“What is artificial? Overtaking is overtaking,” he emphasizes. “People have short memories because in the turbo era of the 80s you had to save during the race because otherwise the tank was too small. That’s part of the game. As I said: You have to take everything in but have a clear direction where you want to go in the future.”
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