Domenicali says 2026 regs win fans, outlines next steps for F1

Stefano Domenicali, chief executive of the Formula 1 Group, met with Motorsport Network in London after the opening three races under the 2026 rule package. He says fan response has been “very positive”, even as qualifying and overtaking have sparked debate among purists. Domenicali also used the interview to map out how the sport’s relationship with drivers, manufacturers and the FIA will shape the next regulatory cycle.

Why it matters:

The 2026 technical regulations are the first major overhaul in a decade, and they determine whether F1 can keep its expanding global audience while satisfying teams, manufacturers and traditionalists. Positive fan sentiment validates the hybrid‑plus‑sustainable‑fuel approach, but lingering concerns could affect viewership and sponsor confidence.

The details:

• Fan reaction: surveys show 70 % of respondents enjoyed the increased overtaking, while 20 % criticized the “artificial” feel of DRS‑linked moves.
• Qualifying: drivers have complained that the new power‑unit balance makes it harder to extract peak performance, prompting a review with the FIA before the Miami GP.
• Driver feedback: Max Verstappen, three‑time champion, acknowledges the direction but urges the sport to listen to driver input and avoid “confrontational” rule changes.
• Manufacturer landscape: the shift toward hybrid engines with sustainable fuels is attracting new OEMs, while legacy manufacturers push for a clear, long‑term fuel formula.
• FIA partnership: Domenicali highlighted a strengthened relationship with the FIA, emphasizing a “strong federation” to support the sport’s rapid growth.
• Future rule thinking: the next package, due around 2030, will likely separate mobility from racing, focusing on lighter cars and sustainable‑fuel formulas rather than full electrification.

What's next:

F1 will test qualifying tweaks at the Miami weekend and continue driver‑FIA workshops through the season. Discussions on a post‑2030 rule set will begin early next year, with the goal of locking in a sustainable‑fuel‑centric package that keeps the cars fast and the sport commercially robust.