“What is Artificial?” – Domenicali Claps Back at F1 2026 Critics

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hit back at widespread criticism of the 2026 regulations, challenging critics by asking “what is artificial?” while also acknowledging that Max Verstappen’s “voice has to be listened to.”

In an interview with Autosport, Domenicali staunchly defended the under-fire regulations, which have seen the sport bombarded with remarks such as “Mario Kart racing” and a “battery world championship” from its own world champions.

The 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical energy in the new 2026 power units lies at the heart of the issue. Drivers have been forced to heavily lift and coast during push laps in qualifying or rely on “super-clipping,” which requires them to stay on full throttle while the car decelerates to recharge the battery.

Disparities in battery availability during races have also led to frequent position changes on track, as seen in the opening stint battle between George Russell and Charles Leclerc for the lead of the Australian Grand Prix.

However, while the spectacle may appear more dynamic compared to previous Formula 1 eras, it has also been criticised for the “yo-yo” nature of energy management.

Domenicali, however, believes there is nothing artificial about the current racing, even drawing comparisons with earlier generations of Formula 1 machinery and regulations.

“Overtaking some people are saying is artificial, what is artificial?” Domenicali said.

“I mean, overtaking is overtaking, and people have a short memory, because in the turbo age in the 1980s, I was already following F1 and the lift and coast and using different turbos and different speeds.

“You have to [manage] because otherwise the fuel tank was too small.

“Maybe some of the old people are criticising or have some comments have a short memory, because back in the 80s, at the turbo time, these things were there.”

The 60-year-old also acknowledged perhaps Formula 1’s most vocal current critic, four-time world champion Verstappen, who has even hinted at walking away from the sport due to his dissatisfaction with the regulations.

“I think that with Max, we have spoken many, many times since the beginning,” Domenicali elaborated.

“So we understand that I understand his comments and he understands the bigger picture. Even today he has been in a meeting where he was very keen to give suggestions. So, you know, I don’t want to fall into the trap of trying to create an antagonism because that’s not me. It’s not the way that we want to see that.

“So we’re going to be together. He’s the best driver, he’s a world champion, multiple world champion, and of course, his voice has to be listened to. But of course, he knows that his voice also has a weight. And he needs to respect that weight [because] sometimes some people can take it the wrong way. And this is something that we should not allow to happen.”

Formula 1 is already exploring potential adjustments to address some of the concerns, with changes possibly arriving as early as the Miami Grand Prix in May. Technical stakeholders met last Thursday, with another meeting involving team principals scheduled for April 20.

“I think that the racing is very, very good. And the more we talk together, the better it is for the sport. Because they are—and I say this because I’m old but I don’t forget what I’m saying—the jewel of our sport. So we need to protect that jewel of our sport, as well as they have to protect the ecosystem which they are in.”

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Written by

Jawad Yaqub

An eCommerce Specialist by day and reporting on F1 by night. Jawad is passionate about motorsport, having provided accredited F1 coverage for more than a decade. Live blogging (almost) every grand prix too since 2014, as well as articles on the Supercars Championship. Also keen on sustainability, photography, collecting vinyl, (trying to) expertly barbeque and learning to Dad.

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