Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has rejected any sense of panic ahead of the 2026 season, insisting the sport is prepared for its major regulatory transformation.
The upcoming campaign introduces one of the most significant technical overhauls in modern F1 history, with simultaneous revisions to both power units and aerodynamic regulations. Several drivers, including Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri, have raised concerns about the complexity of energy management and the altered driving characteristics required by the new-generation cars.
Energy deployment variability and harvesting demands have also sparked debate about whether overtaking could become more challenging under the revised framework. Domenicali, however, does not share those concerns.
“I don't understand what all this panicking is all about,” Domenicali stated.
“There will be incredible racing, there will be a lot of action.”
He underlined that caution is part of his leadership approach, but emphasized that the sport has robust mechanisms in place should adjustments be necessary.
“In any case, if something is not as we would want, I think that the credibility of the sport is we can sit down with responsible people, the technical people and the FIA, to find solutions.”
“I’m not worried at all.”
The 2026 regulations have been widely described as the largest year-on-year shift in Formula 1 due to the combined impact of new engine architecture and aerodynamic concepts. While some fans and drivers have questioned potential side effects — including changes in sound characteristics — Domenicali remains confident in the product.
“Of course, the most sophisticated fans will understand the different sounds in a certain situation.”
“But I guarantee that 99.9 per cent of the fans will not feel that because it's impossible.”
He reiterated that Formula 1 operates as a collaborative ecosystem capable of reacting collectively if required.
“If something has to be rectified, there will be the time and the measure that we can do together as a system to react.”
With the season opener less than two weeks away, F1’s leadership maintains that the new era will deliver competitive racing rather than disruption. The on-track verdict will emerge once the 2026 cars compete under full race conditions.
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