F1 CEO responds to 'purists' following backlash against the 2026 regulations.

      "There are explanations that resulted in the necessity for this kind of power unit."

      Stefano Domenicali has responded to the increasing criticism of Formula 1’s controversial new-era regulations, claiming that "purists" and teams struggling to compete are overstating the issues. Speaking with Radio 24, the CEO of the Formula One Group mentioned that he was not surprised by the backlash.

      "I can now consider myself a veteran of this sport since I have been involved since the 1990s," Domenicali stated. "I have witnessed this kind of commentary consistently, so it did not come as a shock that those at the back of the grid emphasized the shortcomings of regulations that everyone has been aware of for a couple of years."

      The 2026 regulations, which focus on a 50-50 hybrid power distribution and significant energy management, have faced repeated criticism from drivers and teams since pre-season testing, prompting immediate adjustments for 2026 and more changes expected next year. However, Domenicali defended the path Formula 1 has taken.

      "As is always the case with regulatory changes, there are reasons behind them," he explained. "Whether one appreciates it or not, I reiterate, there are justifications that necessitated the development of this type of power unit; otherwise, we wouldn’t have manufacturers engaged in the Formula 1 World Championship today."

      However, the Italian acknowledged that F1 is now in a position to reconsider its approach for the next major regulatory cycle, with many advocates already calling for a revival of loud, straightforward V8 engines.

      "In the next cycle, considering how the manufacturers’ involvement in Formula 1 has evolved, the power unit will likely revert to a more conventional setup, where cars will be lighter, and there will be sustainable fuel," Domenicali stated.

      He also emphasized that the negative perceptions regarding the racing itself are already diminishing.

      "After the first three Grands Prix, including the most recent one in Miami, these technical concerns for purists have started to fade," he noted. "We’ve implemented measures for next year to reduce feedback from so-called purists, as is justified."

      He clarified that F1 must now take into account the views of a new audience that isn't strictly made up of purists.

      "Today, millions of people globally follow us, increasingly comprised of younger demographics, who are drawn to a Formula 1 that must maintain the thrill of exceptional drivers and outstanding cars, while also evolving with the times."

      "After all, the so-called lift-and-coast strategy, which was heavily debated in the opening Grands Prix, was also present in the 1980s, so let’s not forget that."

      Italian journalist Leo Turrini also directly addressed the matter with Domenicali on his blog, where the F1 CEO dismissed claims that the rules were politically influenced.

      "Clearly, I didn’t draft these regulations; Liberty Media wasn’t the one to impose them," he said. "They were agreed upon by the international federation and the manufacturers a few years back."

      "It’s naïve to dismiss this as a result of a vast conspiracy. Whose conspiracy? For what purpose?"

      Lastly, he pointed to the surge in Formula 1’s popularity as a sign that the sport remains robust, despite the critiques.

      "Today, Formula One has never enjoyed such popularity," Domenicali remarked. "It has never had such a large following among young audiences and women."

      "This certainly isn’t contingent upon the new technical regulations, as this trend had already been established under the previous rules, when Verstappen’s Red Bull was in command."