Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenico made it clear that drivers are free to voice their thoughts about the sport’s power‑unit regulations and that no one is being silenced. The new technical rules slated for 2026 have sparked a lively debate, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen emerging as one of the most vocal critics. Verstappen has repeatedly described the emerging "yo‑yo" style of racing—where overtakes are quickly undone by immediate re‑passes—as "anti‑racing" and, after last month’s Belgian Grand Prix, joked that his criticism might even earn him a bullet at the door. A week later, speaking in Hungary, Verstappen elaborated on his frustrations.
He said he had been outspoken about the regulations for a long time, and initially many dismissed him as merely a complainer. "At first people told me to shut up," he recalled, "but the last few races have shown that my concerns were not unfounded. It isn’t about me not wanting to win; it’s about caring for the product we deliver to fans." He continued, noting that the current formula forces drivers to race with relatively low horsepower compared with historic F1 standards, which makes the spectacle less exciting. "You arrive at a circuit and you’re barely using the power we used to have.
It’s painful and it dulls the excitement," Verstappen said. He added that constantly having to repeat the same complaints was wearing thin, especially when the challenge of simply handling the car was already demanding enough. Domenico, for his part, said he would prefer to resolve technical disputes behind closed doors but stressed that the sport thrives on open dialogue. "We’re not here to tape anyone’s mouth," he said.
"The beauty of Formula 1 is that everyone can have an opinion, even if it’s just an opinion. Some drivers have preferences, but we need those opinions to be constructive." The controversy over the 2026 power‑unit rules stems from a shift toward hybridisation.
The current split between internal‑combustion and electric power is roughly 50‑50, but the FIA announced in May that the balance would move to 58‑42 for 2027 and 60‑40 for 2028. Verstappen had previously warned that, if the regulations remained unchanged, he might reconsider his future in the sport.
While he has not yet announced any intention to leave Red Bull, speculation continues about his long‑term plans. Domenico praised Verstappen’s talent, acknowledging that the champion’s concerns carry weight. "Max is an incredible driver," he said.
"I’ve said it many times, perhaps too many times as I get older. If he loves Formula 1, we’ll discuss the future regulations together. I have a great relationship with him, and I hope he stays with us. The sport is bigger than any individual, and I believe Max will remain part of it." Attendance figures this season underscore the sport’s growth.
Events have sold out across the globe, with record crowds reported in Australia (484,000), Canada (360,000), Austria (320,000), Silverstone (564,000), Belgium (400,000) and Hungary (310,000). Domenico highlighted a recent conversation with filmmaker George Lucas, who visited the Hungarian Grand Prix. Lucas observed that most new fans care less about technical minutiae—such as throttle angles or brake percentages—and more about visible action, especially overtaking.
"George gave us a fascinating perspective on how the newer audience watches Formula 1," Domenico explained. "They want to see drama on the track, not the engineering details behind it.
The spectacular pass by Max on Lewis at Turn 1 in Hungary, for example, was pure art that the majority of viewers simply want to enjoy." Looking ahead, the championship will return from its summer hiatus with a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from 21‑23 August. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and viewers can stream the coverage via NOW without a contract, cancelling at any time. In summary, the F1 leadership acknowledges the legitimacy of drivers’ concerns about the evolving power‑unit formula while emphasizing the importance of constructive discourse.
Stefano Domenico assures fans and competitors alike that the sport will continue to adapt, aiming to balance technical innovation with the on‑track excitement that draws millions worldwide. The ongoing dialogue between officials, drivers, and even cultural figures like George Lucas reflects a broader effort to keep Formula 1 both technologically advanced and universally entertaining.