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Stefano Domenicali has defended Formula 1’s direction after drivers launched fierce criticism of the championship’s new technical regulations, insisting that it is his “duty” to decide what is best for the sport.
The new power units generate 50% of their total power from upgraded battery systems, prompting concerns about how grand prix racing should be contested. Max Verstappen was the most vocal critic during pre-season testing, describing the high-energy management style as “anti-racing” and like “Formula E on steroids”.
Fernando Alonso also questioned the impact on traditional high-speed sections, with drivers concerned that corners such as the Esses at Suzuka could lose some of their challenge and become “charging stations” for the batteries.
The debate is part of a wider discussion around F1’s evolving power-unit philosophy. Domenicali has previously revealed that Verstappen was consulted on proposed 2027 power-unit changes, underlining the extent to which the championship is attempting to address concerns while protecting its long-term direction.
During the April shutdown, drivers, F1 and the FIA held talks that produced a roadmap to increase the proportion of power supplied by the internal combustion engine to 60% by 2028. The objective is to reduce reliance on the battery systems without abandoning the fundamental direction of the new regulations.
For Domenicali, the criticism is legitimate, but the solution must be constructive and focused on the future. He said F1 would not silence its drivers, arguing that everyone in the sport should be able to express an opinion. However, he also stressed that someone must establish a clear path for the championship.
“We are not here to put tape on the mouth of anyone,” Domenicali told media. “The beauty of a sport is that everyone can have an opinion, but the opinion is an opinion. There is someone who has the duty to have a line.”
Domenicali said the changes were introduced for a “vital reason” and that adjustments had already been made. He urged disagreements to be handled privately and constructively, warning that increasingly personal criticism could shift negativity away from the sport itself.
The 2026 regulations were designed to attract new manufacturers, a goal F1 has achieved through Audi and Honda’s return as power-unit suppliers. Domenicali therefore sees his role as balancing driver feedback with the interests of fans and stakeholders.
“I have the duty to make a summary of what is best for the sport,” he said, adding that F1 must now look ahead and grow together “in the right way”.
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.
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