F1 boss urges “calm” over new rules as format shake-up considered

F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali has urged for “calm” over the world championship’s new 2026 regulations in the face of heavy criticism.

The new-for-2026 rules have come under fire from drivers and fans alike, with world champions Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris all highlighting concerns over the complexity of F1’s regulations.

A near 50/50 split of combustion energy and battery power has led to several complaints over an increased emphasis on energy management, with drivers not having enough power to go flat out over an entire lap at points during pre-season testing in Bahrain.

But F1 chief Domenicali has come to the defence of the new regulations which were key to attracting new manufacturers in the shape of Audi, GM and Ford, as well as convincing Honda to return.

"We need to avoid overreaction because it's just the beginning of a new journey, so that's why I say we need to stay calm,” Domenicali said.

"And if there is something that is useful and can be implemented straight away, I've seen a very open approach by [governing body] the FIA and also the teams sharing their defined data of course with the others.

"It's a new concept where it has to be, of course, improved if needed."

‘Constructive’ talks with Max Verstappen

Verstappen has made the most disparaging remarks, with the four-time world champion likening the new rules to “Formula E on steroids”.

The Red Bull driver’s complaints have led to fears Verstappen could quit F1, but Domenicali is confident that will not happen, having held “constructive” talks with the Dutchman.

"I met with Max," Domenicali revealed. "We know Max will be part of the future of Formula 1. It is very important we listen to him, as we do with all of the top drivers.

"He has a way of saying something that can be interpreted in a certain way. But I can guarantee to you that Max wants and does care about Formula 1 more than anyone else.

"I had a very constructive meeting with him, and we will have a very constructive meeting with the FIA and with the teams to highlight the point of view as to what he believes needs to be done, which is to keep the driving style at the centre without changing the approach.

"The evolution behind the technology of the car requires a different way of driving the cars. That has happened in the past, and it will happen in the future, too.

"I am pretty sure when we sit down in the middle of the year, or the end of the year, you will see different comments. This is normal in Formula 1."

F1 could shake-up weekend format

Domenicali revealed F1 is weighing up making changes to the format of non-sprint race weekends to increase excitement on Fridays.

“We are thinking to keep relevant every day that we are on track and, of course, to protect the time needed for the rookies to have the time to run,” Domenicali said.

“That is either having a longer time for free practice when we do it, or having a session for them to be allowed to get in this ecosystem, because it is clear that on a sprint weekend, if you are a rookie, you don't have a lot of time.

“That's a point that we are addressing, and we will present shortly something real in this respect.”

Domenicali indicated that the amount of sprint races is likely to increase in the coming years.

A proposal to double the amount of sprint races from six events to 12 was discussed during the most recent meeting of the F1 Commission earlier this week.

“Everyone wants to have it [a sprint], but we want to wait to see the effect on the track," he said.

"It's also a commercial opportunity that we want to discuss.”

Domenicali also confirmed F1 will return to a single pre-season test in 2027, and is keen to host another joint launch event involving all the teams.

“Next year, we will go back to one single test before the season,” he added.

“And we are also thinking about, as we did [last year] a potential global launch, with all the teams together.

“It was a big effect, a sort of a 25th race in terms of impact of communication around the world. But it's still work in progress on that.”