Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali has assured fans that the sport will continue to deliver a thrilling show despite recent complaints from drivers about the 2026 cars. These concerns came to light during the pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit last week, particularly around how the new generation of cars handle and perform, with Lando Norris expressing notable unease about his McLaren’s drivability.
Driver Feedback Highlights Complexities and Speed Issues
Max Verstappen was among the first to voice dissatisfaction, describing the new cars as feeling like “Formula E on steroids” following initial testing sessions in Bahrain. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, raised similar issues, suggesting the cars seem slower than even Formula 2 vehicles and criticized their intricate design, which could alienate many fans. Norris initially held a more optimistic view but later admitted on Thursday that his McLaren “is absolutely not” as fun to drive as expected, echoing broader unease among drivers.
Concerns Over Race Entertainment and Technical Challenges
Beyond handling and speed, there are apprehensions that the upcoming races might lack excitement due to the importance of electrical energy management, which may force drivers to lift off the throttle more frequently than in previous seasons. This technical shift has led to worries about the spectacle of racing being diminished.
Responding to these concerns, Domenicali commented from Bahrain:
“I want to reassure the fans that it will [remain] an incredible spectacle.”
He added,
“I was just on the track to see outside with a fan eye – I didn’t see any difference, whether it was the speed, the sound. And if there is anything that has to be addressed with the FIA, because that’s their duty, we have an incredible F1 Commission.” – Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 President
The F1 Commission’s Stance on Regulatory Adjustments
The F1 Commission convened on Wednesday in Bahrain to discuss whether any immediate changes in regulations were warranted following the driver criticisms. They concluded that
“no immediate major regulatory changes are required”
, as
“premature change carries the risk of increased instability ahead of the new race”
. However, the Commission left open the possibility for future adjustments once more data is collected, stating that
“further reviews will be carried out once more data becomes available.”
Domenicali Confident About the Season Ahead Despite Complexities
Domenicali acknowledged there was a “very open discussion” to identify potential improvements in helping drivers manage the more complex internal systems of the cars, but emphasized that from a fan’s perspective, performance and entertainment value should remain strong. He expressed optimism:
“We need to stay calm because, as always, when there is a new regulation, there’s always the doubt that everything is wrong. I remember in 2014, I remember in 2020 and I remember in 2021 and, as always, F1 as a system has always been proving that the technical solution will have always helped the teams to be fast and the drivers to be the best. So I’m totally positive for that.” – Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 President
He stressed that the blend of technical challenges and sporting excellence has historically pushed teams and drivers to evolve, and he expects 2026 will follow that pattern.
Looking Ahead to Final Testing and the Australian Grand Prix
The pre-season testing is scheduled to wrap up with one final day of activity on Friday at Bahrain. Following this, teams will need to ship critical components, including engines, to Melbourne in preparation for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix set for March 8. This period will provide additional insights into how the new cars perform under competitive conditions and whether further regulation reviews will become necessary.
