If the 2024 season has taught F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali one key lesson, it is that it is impossible to predict with certainty how things will turn out.
If in March many were talking about Max Verstappen potentially being able to win every race this year after his dominant start in Bahrain, that hasn’t happened at all.
Indeed, with seven different winners in the first half of the season, the first time since that crazy start in 2012, it looks set to be a wide-open battle for victories – and the constructors’ championship at least – after the summer break.
Domenicali never joined the rumours at the start of the year, because he was always convinced that the combination of the cost cap and the restrictions on aerodynamic testing would end up closing things down.
He has always had an open mind, knowing that what is considered right today may not be true tomorrow. So just as Verstappen’s dominance was not set in stone from the start, the long-term future of F1 must also be seen as something that is constantly evolving.
In a wide-ranging interview with Motorsport.com to discuss the state of F1, Domenicali explains why he believes there is a huge opportunity for grand prix racing to continue riding the wave of popularity that has exploded since its acquisition by Liberty Media.
“I am very happy to be able to say that what I said at the beginning of the year is exactly what is happening, while everyone believed that I said it for political reasons,” Domenicali said of his belief that 2024 would not be a humid period of one-rider dominance.
“This will definitely continue through the end of 2025. This element of sports action and sports drama is definitely there.”
F1 2026 FIA Car Rendering
Photo by: FIA
The reference to 2025 is intriguing because, amidst all the excitement of the on-track battles, there is a dark cloud on the horizon regarding the potential downside of the new 2026 regulations.
Many in the paddock repeatedly point out that the best way to close the grid is to keep the rules unchanged. The best way to blow things up is to change the regulations.
As F1 design legend Adrian Newey said earlier this year: “Just when everything is starting to come together and the fans are starting to get what they want, we have an even bigger change, because it’s the first time I can remember there being a new PU and a new chassis at the same time. So the chances of that blowing up the grid must be pretty significant.”
Domenicali doesn’t shy away from growing concerns that 2026 could destroy all the greatness that F1 is currently offering. But he believes it’s important to acknowledge the reasons behind the decision to change things. “There are always reasons why we change,” he said.
“First of all, because we have to be at the forefront of what we are doing. And this technical regulation [2026]at the time the decision was made, it was linked to the need to involve the manufacturers in F1, with a different type of technology to use. I think this is really fundamental and crucial.
“Furthermore, the fact that sustainable fuel is now at the heart of this technical project will accelerate the process to ensure that this new technology is available to the mobility world more quickly. A fuel with a lower price will be developed that will be beneficial for the market worldwide. I am quite convinced of that.”
“As you know, today the price [del carburante sostenibile] It’s much higher, but F1 has always been very good at accelerating the process and helping technology go in the right direction. So that’s what I expect and I’m sure everyone will work in this direction.”
A builder enters, a builder exits
It has recently been suggested that, despite all the positive reasons behind the new rules – especially to attract the interest of new manufacturers such as Audi – the gains may not be worth the huge costs that everyone has had to bear.
With billions of dollars being spent across the grid on new engines, and cars being compromised by the planned 50/50 split between electric and combustion engine power, F1 is likely to end up with zero net gains for manufacturers as Renault is set to withdraw.
Domenicali does not share the view that the regulations have made F1 take a step forward and then one back.
“I think the real decision [della Renault] “It’s not tied to a bad regulation. It’s tied to a different situation, where they have to get a result in different times.”
Jack Doohan, Alpine
Photo by: Pirelli
“I think when the regulations were being defined there was a need to make sure that the manufacturers were really interested in being part of the championship. They are a vital part of this equation, because without an engine we cannot race – so there was a need to listen.”
“And it’s true that, because we don’t have to be shy or hide behind a tree, it was a compromise solution because of the different interests of all the builders, in fact.”
“But I would say that the FIA has tried to do its best to make sure that we can have something that suits everyone. That is true.”
Slowing down the change
Amid doubts about whether to change this ever-repeating cycle of regulatory changes that upend networks every five years, Domenicali believes it is the right time to consider slowing down the rule revolutions.
“This is a point: is it really time to make another step change in 2030? We cannot answer today, because we have to wait and see how this new technology will arrive and how it will be developed.”
“Therefore, there will be a time when we will have to discuss it and we will have to understand whether the need of the manufacturers, the teams and the engineering is certainly there, as it was when it was necessary to change the regulation.”
“The need for change is normally put on the table for two reasons. One is because we are the pinnacle of motorsport and we are endorsing the highest level of technology.”
Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB20, Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL38, George Russell, Mercedes F1 W15
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
“The second one in the past was that, because it was quite clear: the goal was to stop a period of domination of the cars. I remember when we were dressed in different colors [Domenicali è un ex team principal della Ferrari]so this is part of the game.”
“But now, with the new regulatory elements, budget constraints and aerodynamic restrictions, I think this point is no longer on the table.”
“So the real issue is the technological challenge of the future. Is it relevant that the change happens in such a short time cycle of five years? That will be the point of discussion for the future.”
Changing the single-seaters
There is, however, something that Domenicali believes should change: the weight of the cars.
“I think that in the future there will always be discussions about the weight and size of the cars, because we must not forget where the approach to the motor racing formula started. Now we are in a situation where the cars are big, heavy, and perhaps in the future, with this new development, we can decide to go back to being lighter.”
“But I would say it’s a bit premature to talk about it. Let’s see, first of all, how we can prepare ourselves to be really ready for the right technical regulation, also sporting, for ’26 and then we will discuss accordingly at the right time.”
The quest for lighter cars is a goal of the 2026 rule overhaul, but efforts to gain mass haven’t gone as far as initially hoped. Part of the problem is safety improvements, because having stronger cars—in addition to the halo—comes with weight implications.
But one of the other factors that affects the current weight of cars is the powertrain, particularly the battery. So if F1 wants to reduce the weight of its cars in the long term, moving away from heavy hybrids must be an avenue to explore, whether that means switching to hydrogen or returning to old-school V8s.
F1 2026 FIA Car Rendering
Photo by: FIA
Domenicali has some interesting considerations on this matter.
“I don’t think hydrogen is a medium-term solution for F1, for many reasons: technology, costs and safety. But I think it’s the right way to develop it. [la riduzione del peso] is to remain on this type of concept, with initiatives to reduce weight”.
“Or, if sustainable fuels can deliver zero emissions and if we’re doing sustainability right, maybe we don’t need to be so complicated or expensive in terms of engine development anymore. We could then think about going back to much lighter engines and maybe with a good sound.”
“I think that’s definitely going to be a talking point in the three years after we roll it out. So, in the midst of this new journey, we need to think and see where we are and how we think it’s going to evolve.”
“But one thing is very important: to look back and see how things are changing so rapidly, so fast. I remember a couple of years ago everyone was saying, ‘Ah, electric cars for everyone, forever.’ Now, the handbrake is bigger than moving forward; so we have to be cautious.”
“We have to make sure we take the right approach. We are in a sports company and so I think we have to make the right decision for our needs and for our sport.”
The second part of Domenicali’s interview, in which he talks about changes to the sporting regulations and the film’s impact on F1, will be published tomorrow.
#Domenicali #exclusive #Formula #future
