NEW DELHI,April 15: Stefano Domenicali has expressed confidence in Formula 1’s sweeping 2026 regulations, stating that while refinements are needed, the championship remains on a strong path amid surging global interest.
The new rules mark one of the biggest technical overhauls in the sport’s history, with a greater emphasis on hybrid power, sustainable fuels, and active aerodynamics. While the changes have contributed to more on-track action and overtaking in the opening races, they have also drawn criticism, particularly regarding qualifying dynamics and energy-management constraints.
Domenicali acknowledged these concerns, especially around qualifying, but stressed that discussions are already underway with key stakeholders, including the FIA, teams and drivers, to fine-tune the regulations.
“I can see an incredible result in terms of positivity from the bigger fan base on what is the effect on the racing. Definitely, I take on board the criticism related to certain situations that we have to manage related mainly to qualifying,” Domenicali told Autosport.
“Qualifying has been always the place where the driver has to push as much as you can, and to see where the physical limits of the car and the driver really are. That’s an area where we are working in these weeks, together with the drivers, together with the teams, coordinated by the FIA to see what the right adjustment could be without losing the right [track]. We are managing it in the right way, with no panic, with a solid foundation, being ready to have different options,” he added.F1’s regulatory shift was largely driven by the need to balance sustainability goals with manufacturers’ interests, helping to attract new entrants such as Audi and Ford while retaining established players. Domenicali explained that the hybrid-heavy direction reflected broader industry trends at the time the rules were conceived.Despite mixed reactions from some fans and drivers, F1’s internal data suggests growing popularity, with sold-out races and increased viewership across key markets.He emphasised that constructive dialogue, rather than blanket criticism, is essential to refining the sport’s direction, noting that multiple meetings are ongoing ahead of the Miami Grand Prix to address immediate concerns.
Domenicali also rejected the notion that the increased overtaking seen under the new energy management system is artificial, drawing parallels with earlier eras of the sport.“What is artificial? Overtaking is overtaking,” he stressed. (IANS)
