Stefano Domenicali: There are no problems in Formula 1

      This week, amendments to the technical regulations were adopted, taking into account the comments gathered during the tests and the first three stages of the season. When Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali was asked whether the amendments would resolve the issues pointed out by many drivers, including Max Verstappen, Stefano confidently stated that Formula 1 does not actually have serious problems.

      Stefano Domenicali: "I wouldn't say that Formula 1 needs to solve problems. Formula 1 has no problems – the championship is in great shape, and it's important to understand that clearly. The overwhelming majority of fans have positively perceived everything that has been happening on the track this season from the very beginning.

      Of course, experts may have a different opinion, but sometimes we delve too deeply and start to think too philosophically. Or we discuss technical matters that most fans simply do not notice. Yes, discussions and the search for improvements are a natural part of Formula 1, but this should not become the main focus of attention for the wider audience.

      Of course, when you are responsible for a business, it is normal to react if you see that certain things need adjustment. Our overall approach will not change, but right now it is important to focus on what really needs to be done.

      If you ask whether the regulatory adjustments will resolve all the previously raised issues, I would say that I do not have a definitive answer – maybe yes, maybe no. But I am confident that the teams, drivers, and FIA, as the regulatory body, will closely monitor developments and think about the direction in which the situation may evolve in the coming years.

      The opinion of fans [about what is happening] is very easy to verify – just look at the attendance in the stands. Tickets for almost all races are sold out. This is evident to the naked eye, and it is impressive. I do not see the negative picture you are talking about. We have specific data, real numbers, and they show positive dynamics.

      You cannot approach the issue solely from an engineering perspective, as this sometimes misses the main point – people need competition; it is important for them to see real rivalry and emotions.

      If I truly believed that there were serious problems, I would say so directly. You know me; we always listen. Ultimately, someone has to make decisions, and we cannot cater to everyone and offer a single solution.

      To be honest, I was surprised by the discussions about the current shift in attention to GT racing. Yes, Max Verstappen is competing there, and that attracts interest since he is a Formula 1 driver. Kimi Antonelli came to the start of the WEC season in Imola, and everyone was discussing him because he is also from Formula 1. This indicates that Formula 1 remains a powerful center of attraction that inspires a huge number of people. We need to look broader and see the bigger picture.

      Personally, I am looking forward to how this season will conclude. I am sure we will see a lot of exciting battles on the track. The success of Formula 1 largely depends on you, the journalists, and how you explain to fans what is happening behind the scenes and why it is so thrilling. Therefore, the task is to tell the story in a positive light. Otherwise, we will harm ourselves, and that makes no sense. But with these words, I am not trying to take a defensive position.

      Recently, too much attention has been paid to the statements of individual drivers, and this has diverted the discussion, especially among the most passionate fans. But for us, this is a lesson – it is quite clear that in such a situation, we should have behaved differently.

      I am not saying that we need to hide anything. There are simply many positive aspects that are also important to discuss. And the main point is that the transition to a new regulation was necessary for Formula 1 to remain relevant in the world of motorsport. Otherwise, we will lose the very essence of what is happening. So the main conclusion is that the attention has shifted away from where it should have been.

      Perhaps that is all I can say. Yes, that is exactly how it is."