Stefano Domenicali’s remarks regarding the overtakes witnessed so far in the 2026 F1 season are destined to cause a stir
The CEO’s words The Formula 1 CEO’s statements are generating considerable debate within the paddock. In an interview with Autosport, Stefano Domenicali discussed the 2026 season and potential future modifications to the regulations that were introduced just a few months ago.
The technical regulations, introduced specifically for this F1 campaign, have drawn widespread criticism. From drivers and team principals to former drivers and fans, many have condemned various aspects of the new rules.
The Overtaking Issue and the Response to Criticism
The exponential increase in the number of overtakes in this 2026 season is clearly a positive aspect for the on-track spectacle; however, ever since the Melbourne race, numerous fans have begun to express their dissatisfaction, given that the majority of these track maneuvers were due to battery depletion at the end of a long straight.
This is certainly not a trivial issue, especially considering the dangerous incidents that can be triggered by a car suddenly losing power on track. We must remember that this is exactly what happened to Ollie Bearman’s Haas, which crashed into the barriers in Japan precisely because Colapinto’s Alpine dramatically lost pace through the ‘Spoon’ curve.
Domenicali began his interview: “The current set of rules exists because of decisions made five years ago, though it feels like fifty. If we look at what is happening in the automotive industry right now, there is a shift back towards hybrids and internal combustion engines with sustainable fuels. And this is what we will address in the discussions for future Power Units“.
Stefano then raised the overtaking issue: “Let’s return to the topic of overtaking: some say they are artificial. But what does ‘artificial’ mean? People have short memories, because in the turbo era of the 1980s, you had to lift and coast, different turbos and speeds were used, and you had to save fuel during the race, otherwise the tank was too small and you wouldn’t reach the finish line. Perhaps some of the critics have short memories. Generally speaking, the fans’ reaction has been very positive “.
Friction with Verstappen and the Appeal to the Drivers
As mentioned, there has been criticism. Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen, in particular, have strongly voiced their complaints regarding the regulations and this new era of F1, repeatedly describing the sport as ‘no longer fun’ as before.
“So, be respectful of a sport that has given all of us an incredible opportunity to grow, to earn a lot of money, and to develop a global profile that, in other sports you might prefer, you simply wouldn’t get“.
“This is what I told the drivers, and I believe it was acknowledged. And I think the situation is actually very good. The more we talk together, the better it is for the sport, because they are the jewel of the sport. Therefore, we must protect that jewel. Just as they must protect the ecosystem they are a part of“.
Planned Measures
Domenicali concluded his interview by stating: “There are two points on our table that will define the regulatory changes. The first concerns qualifying“.
“It is considered a priority to give the drivers the chance to truly be the stars on a flying lap: returning to pushing the limit, instead of having to resort to massive amounts of lift and coast or sacrificing the most demanding and iconic corners—like the first sector at Suzuka—which have been turned into mere battery-recharging opportunities”.
The second point concerns the criticism expressed by the drivers: “I believe my conversations with the drivers are very open, and they know that I truly care about their opinions. I want them to be involved”.
“But, of course, sometimes there is a bit of a role-playing game to manage. If you speak with the drivers at the front, they are always very happy because they are winning, whereas others might be frustrated “.
