F1 chief govt Stefano Domenicali insists the game’s wider fanbase are “not ” in how the 2026 vehicles are pushed – and are as an alternative fascinated by the brand new stage of racing this season.
New engine and chassis rules this yr, which see an virtually 50/50 break up between the interior combustion engine and electrical energy, have divided opinion throughout the grid. The vehicles are additionally lighter, smaller, use energetic aerodynamics and gadgets corresponding to ‘Enhance Mode’ and ‘Overtake Mode.’
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But points with the character of how F1 drivers go racing have reared their head. Drivers are inconveniently having to ‘lift-and-coast’ on the finish of straights to reap vitality – most just lately seen on the Kemmel Straight at Spa-Francorchamps – whereas thrilling on-track battles have been labelled “synthetic.” 4-time world champion Max Verstappen has declared the brand new rules “anti-racing” and “like System E on steroids.” Reigning world champion Lando Norris has additionally been crucial.
However Domenicali, on the midway stage of the season, believes the vast majority of followers are “fascinated” by the all-out motion on monitor, as illustrated by a dialog on the Hungarian Grand Prix with American filmmaker George Lucas.
“No-one is enthusiastic about the way you drive your automotive,” Domenicali mentioned on a media name. “That is the overwhelming majority of individuals…
“I had an fascinating dialogue with George Lucas in Hungary and he was giving me an unbelievable view on how the brand new followers are watching F1. They’re fascinated by the very fact that there’s a lot of motion.
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“However for the overwhelming majority of individuals, belief me, they simply wish to see what is occurring on the monitor. They are not within the angle of throttle or the proportion of brake strain on how one can overtake a driver.
“If you concentrate on an unbelievable overtake from Max on Lewis at flip one in Hungary… these are individuals who simply wish to see and join it to the standard of the drivers…
“In fact, for a distinct segment of our followers, the date is related and it’s accessible. However for the overwhelming majority… that is the data we obtain.”
Verstappen has been constant in his criticism because the season has developed – and has even hinted he might give up the game on the finish of the season – however the Italian govt insisted that “no person is larger than the game.”
The game’s new period has divided opinion (Getty)
F1 has additionally labored with the FIA for a two-step plan to cut back the impact of vitality restoration over the brand new two seasons.
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“We aren’t right here to place the tape on the mouth of anybody,” Domenicali added. “The fantastic thing about the game is that everybody can have an opinion, however the opinion is an opinion…
“Max is in a scenario the place if he loves System One, he loves the longer term we’re discussing collectively. I’ve an unbelievable relationship with him, so I believe System One is sufficiently big for him to be a part of, however after all he’ll determine his future.
“My opinion is that Max will stick with us and I actually hope so, and that is what I am stating. So, as I mentioned, the game is way greater than anybody else, all of us.”
The subsequent race of the 2026 season is the ultimate iteration of the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort on 23 August.
