Stefano Domenicali, the chief executive of Formula One, has reiterated that drivers are free to express their thoughts about the sport’s power‑unit regulations and that no one is being silenced. The conversation comes amid growing controversy surrounding the 2026 technical rulebook, which has sparked a split among the paddock, with several high‑profile drivers, most notably Max Verstappen, openly questioning the direction of the new guidelines. The 2026 regulations have introduced a hybrid power‑unit layout that blends internal‑combustion engines with a larger electrical component.
This shift has altered the character of the cars, prompting a style of racing that many fans and drivers describe as “yo‑yo” – a pattern of overtakes followed by immediate re‑passes that some argue diminishes the spectacle of genuine, sustained battles. Verstappen has been particularly vocal, labeling this back‑and‑forth as "anti‑racing" and joking after the Belgian Grand Prix that he might be "shot outside the door" if he kept criticizing the rule changes. A week later, during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen elaborated on his concerns. He explained that he had voiced his opinions on the new regulations for a long time, only to be dismissed initially with remarks like "he’s just complaining, he should shut up." Over the course of the recent races, however, he believes more observers are beginning to see the same issues he highlighted years ago.
"It’s not about me not wanting to win anymore," he said, "it’s about caring for the product. I’ve said it many times, and eventually that’s enough, but when people keep asking, I feel compelled to speak up again." Verstappen continued, noting that while some races are praised as great, the underlying reality of limited horsepower – far below historic F1 standards – makes the competition feel less thrilling. He described the experience as "painful" for drivers who must manage a car that feels under‑powered, and admitted he was growing weary of repeating the same points. "Driving the car is already hard enough," he added, "and having to keep reiterating my concerns about the regulations adds another layer of frustration." Domenicali, when asked about the driver’s remarks, said he prefers to resolve technical disagreements behind closed doors, yet he respects the drivers’ right to speak.
"We’re not here to gag anyone," he asserted. "The beauty of Formula 1 is that everyone can have an opinion, even if it’s just an opinion. Some people have a duty to set boundaries, and we need to ensure that discourse remains constructive." The debate over the power‑unit split intensified after the FIA announced a gradual increase in the electric component: from the current near‑even 50‑50 split to 58‑42 for 2027 and 60‑40 for 2028. Verstappen had previously hinted that he might reconsider his future in the sport if the regulations remained unchanged, expressing dissatisfaction with the added electrical power.
While he has not announced any intention to leave Formula 1, speculation persists about whether he will stay with Red Bull or seek opportunities elsewhere. Domenicali praised Verstappen’s talent, stating, "Max is an incredible driver.
I’ve said it many times, perhaps too many times as I get older!" He emphasized the strong relationship they share and expressed confidence that Verstappen will remain part of the sport. "F1 is big enough for him to be with us, but ultimately he will decide his own path.
I hope he stays, because the sport is larger than any individual, and we all benefit from his presence." Attendance figures this season underscore the sport’s growth, with record crowds at venues such as Melbourne (484,000), Montreal (360,000), Spielberg (320,000), Silverstone (564,000), Spa‑Francorchamps (400,000) and Budapest (310,000). Domenicali highlighted a recent conversation with filmmaker George Lucas, who visited the Hungarian Grand Prix. Lucas offered a fresh perspective on how new fans engage with Formula 1.
According to Domenicali, Lucas observed that most newcomers are less interested in technical minutiae – like throttle angles or brake pressure percentages – and more focused on overtaking action and the visual drama of the race. "Fans want to see the overtakes, the moments of brilliance on track," Domenicali explained.
"They’re not looking for a deep dive into the engineering behind every lap. For example, Max’s spectacular pass on Lewis Hamilton at Turn 1 in Hungary was a piece of art that resonated with viewers, regardless of the technical details behind it." Looking ahead, the championship will return after the summer hiatus with a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21‑23. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a contract, with the option to cancel at any time. In summary, while the 2026 technical regulations have sparked debate and prompted drivers like Verstappen to voice concerns, the sport’s leadership remains committed to open dialogue.
Domenicali’s stance underscores a balance between allowing free expression and seeking collaborative solutions behind the scenes. As Formula 1 continues to attract record crowds and engage new audiences, the conversation about how to blend technical innovation with on‑track excitement is likely to persist, shaping the future of the sport for both seasoned enthusiasts and the next generation of fans.