F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali insists the sport’s wider fanbase are “not interested” in how the 2026 cars are driven – and are instead fascinated by the new level of racing this season.
New engine and chassis regulations this year, which see an almost 50/50 split between the internal combustion engine and electrical power, have divided opinion across the grid. The cars are also lighter, smaller, use active aerodynamics and devices such as ‘Boost Mode’ and ‘Overtake Mode.’
Yet issues with the nature of how F1 drivers go racing have reared their head. Drivers are inconveniently having to ‘lift-and-coast’ at the end of straights to harvest energy – most recently seen on the Kemmel Straight at Spa-Francorchamps – while thrilling on-track battles have been labelled “artificial.” Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has declared the new regulations “anti-racing” and “like Formula E on steroids.” Reigning world champion Lando Norris has also been critical of the new regulations.
But Domenicali, at the halfway stage of the season, believes the majority of fans are “fascinated” by the all-out action on track, as illustrated by a conversation at the Hungarian Grand Prix with American filmmaker George Lucas.
“No-one is interested in how you drive your car,” Domenicali said on a media call. “That’s the vast majority of people…
“I had an interesting discussion with George Lucas in Hungary and he was giving me an incredible view on how the new fans are watching F1. They are fascinated by the fact that there is a lot of action.
“But for the vast majority of people, trust me, they just want to see what is happening on the track. They’re not interested in the angle of throttle or the percentage of brake pressure on how you can overtake a driver.
“If you think about an incredible overtake from Max on Lewis at turn one in Hungary… these are people who just want to see and connect it to the quality of the drivers…
“Of course, for a niche of our fans, the date is relevant and it is available. But for the vast majority… that’s the information we receive.”
Verstappen has been consistent in his criticism as the season has developed – and has even hinted he may quit the sport at the end of the season – but the Italian executive insisted that “nobody is bigger than the sport.”
F1 has also worked with the FIA for a two-step plan to reduce the effect of energy recovery over the new two seasons.
“We are not here to put the tape on the mouth of anyone,” Domenicali added. “The beauty of the sport is that everyone can have an opinion, but the opinion is an opinion…
“Max is in a situation where if he loves Formula One, he loves the future we are discussing together. I have an incredible relationship with him, so I think Formula One is big enough for him to be part of, but of course he will decide his future.
“My opinion is that Max will stay with us and I really hope so, and that’s what I’m stating. So, as I said, the sport is much bigger than anyone else, all of us.”
The next race of the 2026 season is the final iteration of the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort on 23 August.
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