Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hit back at critics of the 2026 regulations, saying that it is too early to conclude anything at this point. The statement arrives after both multiple F1 world champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen pointed out the complexities of the new cars.
F1 entered the year with the onset of a new era of rules, leading to new cars and a reset of the grid with two brand new manufacturers, namely Cadillac and Audi. The pre-season testing in Bahrain recently saw drivers trying to adapt to an entirely new system that uses electric power and internal combustion in an equal ratio for maximum performance.
However, seven-time world champion Hamilton didn’t shy away from saying that the new cars are too complex to explain to fans. Four-time world champion Verstappen, on the other hand, was a little more candid with his opinions.
The Dutchman stated that the new cars are “not a lot of fun to drive” and that F1 now feels more like “Formula E on steroids.” Now, at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, Domenicali has stated that the new era has also brought about an “evolution in driving.” He told Sky Sports F1:
“I think it’s wrong in general terms to talk bad about an incredible world that is allowing all of us to grow. And that’s the only thing that I would say is not right. But, you know, I always listen. There is an evolution of driving, it means that the best driver will be able to be the fastest.”
The F1 boss then highlighted that F1 wanted to attract more manufacturers and suggested that the scope to improve this car from all perspectives is immense. He added:
“We wanted to attract more manufacturers. We knew that sustainable fuel was an element that would be attractive for the manufacturers, knowing that in terms of mobility, manufacturers should focus not only on electrification and that’s why this project started.
“I think the possibility to develop this car, both from the engineering point of view and also from the driver’s point of view, will enable us to very, very soon see a car that will be faster. The world of engineers behind F1 is incredible.
“The approach that we have discussed already in the last F1 Commission with the FIA, with the team, is very open. If we see something that needs to be addressed, we’re going to address it in that way. But I think that now we are in a world where everyone realises that if there is something clear that has to be done to improve, why not? Let’s do it.”
