F1’s latest set of regulations has received widespread criticism from drivers and fans, prompting CEO Stefano Domenicali to respond publicly in favour of the F1 2026 rules. Domenicali urged everyone to remain patient, assuring that F1 will take action if the new regulations fail to deliver.
Since the introduction of these rules back in 2023, there has been constant criticism surrounding them. When the cars finally hit the track in the flesh during testing in Barcelona and Bahrain, that criticism only intensified. Much of the concern centres on the constant need for energy management, which disrupts a driver’s instinct to push flat-out.
During the second Bahrain tests, Stefano Domenicali defending the F1 2026 rules and in an attempt to calm the backlash, said: “I’m totally positive to say that there will be another incredible year.”
“I don’t feel this anxiety, we need to stay calm because as always when there is something happening as a new regulation there’s always the doubt that everything is wrong.”
Domenicali urged everyone to have a positive view and assured that he is confident that the new cycle will be incredible.
He said: “I don’t understand what is all panicking going around because there will be an incredible racing, there will be a lot of action and that’s the most important thing.
“I want to be positive in that respect and if something has to be rectified there will be the time and the measure that we can do together as a system to react.”
Domenicali assures the drivers’ feedback is being carefully considered
The 2026 rules put a much bigger emphasis on electric power and energy recovery, while also reducing drag. That means the internal combustion engine on its own isn’t strong enough to run flat-out for an entire lap. To stop the battery from draining quickly, drivers have to manage their pace. Drivers must ease off the throttle, lift earlier before corners, and coast into braking zones to recharge and stay within strict electrical limits.
Lewis Hamilton said the latest regulations were too complex even for the drivers. He also warned that lift‑and‑coast might be needed “even on a qualifying lap at circuits with limited braking zones,” calling that “not what racing is about.”
Four-time champion Max Verstappen has been vocal about the 2026 generation being heavily dependent on battery power. He rejected the rules calling them “Formula E on steroids” and the racing feels like “anti-racing” to him. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also said the rules were complex and believed overtaking could become difficult in 2026.
Reigning champion Lando Norris also said the racing did not feel “pure.” He initially showed a positive attitude but later claimed, “I do agree with basically every other driver because I think every other driver has made their comments pretty clear. I just didn’t want to come out to the media and complain to everyone on the first weekend back.”
Domenicali said F1 consulted all 22 drivers, values their opinions, holds behind-the-scenes talks, and will address their concerns. Speaking about Verstappen’s worries, he said:
“We know that Max will be part of the future of Formula One and of course it’s very important that we listen to him and as we listen to all the top drivers that are very important in this sport.”
FIA is ready to change the rules if required
Domenicali is aware that the new rules could affect the quality of racing. Even so, he urged everyone to approach the situation calmly. He emphasised that F1 will act quickly if it needs to make changes.
“For me, what has to be protected and if this will not be the case we need to intervene, is having great racing, great overtaking opportunities, great challenges that you can give to the drivers to show if they are the best.
“So, if these points will not be taken the right way, of course, we need to in a way intervene and react immediately.”
The debate has heated up and the sport’s governing body, FIA, is also looking at the matter. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis said:
“We are completely conscious that we may need to make adjustments.”
Tombazis shared that discussions have been running behind the scenes with drivers, teams and PU manufacturers and are considering all the comments. However, he mentioned that they will only bring in any changes only after the commencement of the initial rounds of the season.
The final day of testing is only hours away and the concerns keep flooding in from all the directions. With just 16 days to go until the season opener, there is plenty of excitement about this new dawn of F1. At the same time, many are watching closely to see how the racing unfolds.
