F1 President Domenicali urges closed-door dialogue on 2026 regulations amid driver concerns

Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali has addressed the growing chorus of driver criticism regarding the 2026 power unit regulations, asserting that while drivers are free to voice their opinions, such discussions are best conducted behind closed doors. The comments follow repeated concerns from Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who has described the current racing style under the near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power as "anti-racing" and "painful."

Domenicali, speaking to Sky Sports, emphasised that the organisation does not intend to silence dissent but rather seeks to ensure that feedback contributes to constructive solutions. "You know me, we are not here to put tape on the mouth of anyone," Domenicali said. "The beauty of our sport is that everyone can have an opinion, but the opinion is an opinion... we have highlighted the need to be constructive in that respect."

Verstappen, who previously indicated in March 2026 that he might consider his future in the sport if the regulations did not change, has clarified that his criticisms stem from a desire to protect the product rather than dissatisfaction with his competitive standing. He noted that the "yoyo" nature of passes and re-passes, combined with lower horsepower for F1 standards, has made the current era less exciting. However, he acknowledged that more drivers are now sharing his concerns, suggesting a shift in the paddock's consensus.

In response to questions about Verstappen’s longevity in the sport, Domenicali expressed strong confidence that the Red Bull driver will remain with Formula 1. He pointed to the sport's massive scale and his own relationship with the champion as indicators that Verstappen’s future lies in the series. "My opinion is that Max will stay with us, and I really hope so," Domenicali stated, noting that the sport is "big enough for him to be part of us."

The president also highlighted the commercial and cultural growth of Formula 1, citing record crowd attendances at recent races. Data provided by the organisation shows significant figures across the season, including 564,000 attendees at Silverstone, 484,000 in Australia, and 400,000 in Belgium. Domenicali referenced a conversation with filmmaker George Lucas to illustrate that new fans are primarily interested in on-track action and overtaking, rather than the technical nuances of throttle angles or brake pressure.

While the current regulations maintain a nearly 50-50 power split, the FIA agreed with teams in May 2026 to adjust this to 58-42 for 2027 and 60-40 for 2028. As the season resumes with a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21-23, the focus remains on balancing driver feedback with the sport’s broader appeal and technical evolution.