Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenico reiterated that drivers are free to voice their thoughts and are not being silenced when they criticize the sport’s power‑unit regulations. The upcoming 2026 technical rule package has sparked a lively debate, with several drivers – most notably Max Verstappen – openly questioning the direction of the new guidelines, which have altered the character of racing and the way cars behave on track. Verstappen has repeatedly described the current "yo‑yo" style of racing – where overtakes are quickly followed by re‑passes – as "anti‑racing".
At the Belgian Grand Prix last month he even joked that anyone who criticised the rules might "probably shoot me outside the door". A week later, speaking after the Hungarian Grand Prix, the Red Bull star elaborated on his frustrations: "I’ve been speaking my mind about these regulations for a long time, and at first most people dismissed me as just another complainer. But in the last few races more and more observers are seeing the same issues I flagged months ago. It isn’t about me not wanting to win; it’s about caring for the product we deliver to fans.
I’ve said it enough, yet I’m still asked to keep quiet. When people say, ‘that was a great race’, I respond, ‘yes, but the way we’re racing isn’t realistic.’" He continued, noting that many circuits now see cars running with far less horsepower than the sport’s historic standards, making the spectacle feel "a little painful" and "not the most exciting". He added that constantly repeating the same concerns is wearing thin, especially when drivers already have to contend with the physical demands of piloting these machines.
Domenico, who would rather resolve such disagreements behind closed doors, stressed that he respects every driver’s viewpoint. "We’re not here to tape anyone’s mouth shut. The beauty of Formula 1 is that everyone can have an opinion – even if it’s just an opinion. Some drivers have preferences, sure, but we need to keep the conversation constructive," he explained.
Earlier this year, Verstappen hinted he might reconsider his future in the sport if the power‑unit rules remained unchanged. The 2026 package raises the electric component of the hybrid system to nearly 50 percent, a shift from the predominantly combustion‑driven units of previous seasons. The FIA later announced a gradual increase to a 58‑42 split for 2027 and 60‑40 for 2028. While Verstappen has not announced any intention to leave Formula 1, speculation persists about whether he will stay with Red Bull or move elsewhere.
Domenico praised Verstappen’s talent, saying, "Max is an incredible driver. I’ve said it many times, perhaps too many times as I get older! If he loves Formula 1, we will continue to discuss the regulations together. I have a great relationship with him, and the sport is big enough for him to stay.
I hope he decides to remain, because Formula 1 is larger than any individual, including all of us together." Attendance figures this season underline the sport’s growth: Australian Grand Prix crowds topped 484,000, Canada saw 360,000 fans, Austria welcomed 320,000, Silverstone attracted a record 564,000, Belgium 400,000, and Hungary 310,000. Domenico pointed to a recent conversation with filmmaker George Lucas, who visited the Hungarian race. Lucas observed that most new fans care less about the technical minutiae – such as throttle angle or brake pressure – and more about the visible excitement of overtaking. "George gave us a fascinating perspective on how new audiences watch Formula 1," Domenico said.
"They’re drawn to the action, not the engineering details. They want to see a spectacular move, like Max’s overtake on Lewis at Turn 1 in Hungary, which was pure art. They connect with the drivers’ skill, not the percentage of electric power under the hood." The championship will return after the summer break with a sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from 21‑23 August, all sessions broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
Fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a contract, cancelling anytime. As the sport balances technical evolution with fan expectations, the dialogue between officials, teams, and drivers remains essential.
Domenico’s reassurance that every competitor may speak their mind – even when opinions clash – highlights the ongoing effort to keep Formula 1 both innovative and true to the spectacle that draws millions to the track each year.