Domenicali explains areas being looked at to find ‘right adjustments’ to regulations

Stefano Domenicali has shared an insight into how all parties in Formula 1 will work to find the “right adjustments” to the 2026 technical regulations amid discussions during the current April break, with the President and CEO confident that everything is going in the “right direction”.

The opening three rounds of the championship played out in Australia, China and Japan respectively during March, leaving Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli – who claimed two victories – at the top of the standings ahead of Round 4 taking place in Miami on the weekend of May 1-3.

Before the action gets back underway again, Domenicali has explained the areas of the regulations where adjustments are being considered, as well as reflecting on the fan reaction and taking on feedback from everyone involved.

‘Two considerations’ for adjustments to regulations

Speaking during in an interview with Autosport, Domenicali spoke positively about the “desire to think big” in Formula 1, adding: “It's a moment where the popularity of the sport is getting bigger and bigger, and therefore we need to make sure that from one side we capture new fans, on the other side we teach in a way or we explain to them what is going on in our ecosystem.”

As such, he went on to reflect on the introduction of new technical regulations in 2026 – which have featured sweeping changes to the cars as well as overhauled power unit rules – and spoke about areas that are the focus for continued improvements during discussions prior to the Miami Grand Prix.

“Hopefully before Miami, the FIA will inform what will be, let's say, the adjustment that will be done to tackle mainly two considerations,” Domenicali explained.

“First is Qualifying – to try to be as much as you can on full power or full braking, whatever it is. And on the other hand, of course, to make sure that certain concerns that drivers highlight on the safety side will be fixed in the right way.”

On the topic of Qualifying, Domenicali added: “That's an area where we are working in these weeks, together with the drivers, together with the teams, of course coordinated by the FIA, to see what could be the right adjustment without losing the right [track].

“So, generally speaking, when we're talking about something [I see it as] always great, because that generates a constructive discussion. What I don't like is people who love to criticise. I don't know why, by the way. Criticising to criticise doesn't help anyone and has really zero effect.”

Discussions with FIA, teams and drivers going in ‘right direction’

In terms of that discussion, Domenicali feels that talks are progressing well amongst those involved in the sport.

“I think that the discussions that have been in place since many months, with the FIA, with the teams, now even more with the drivers, are going in the right direction,” he continued.

“I think that the discussions that have been in place since many months, with the FIA, with the teams, now even more with the drivers, are going in the right direction,” he continued.

“There are meetings now, actually this week and also next week before Miami, to see what can be done to improve or to adjust the situation.”

Domenicali also stressed the importance of the drivers’ feedback in the talks.

“I think my conversation with them is definitely very open, and they know that I do care about their opinions,” he explained. “I want for them to be involved.

“I’m respectful of what we have been able to achieve together, but also of listening and being very, very open to any kind of remarks that can be constructively done together.”

Reflecting generally on the situation, Domenicali said that the sport is “managing in the right way, with no panic, with a solid foundation, being ready to have different options”.

Domenicali pleased with ‘very positive reaction’ from fans

Looking at the reaction of fans from across the world, Domenicali said: “The result is magnificent, it's great. Everyone is [saying], ‘Wow, what is going on?’ A lot of action, and this is what people want to see.”

He added: “Globally speaking, it has been a very positive reaction from the fans, that has been sort of now interrupted by one month where we have no races, so I'm looking forward to going back with the adjustments that we need to do together in Miami to see what will be the outcome of it.

“But the intensity and the attention on what we're doing is fantastic. Three events sold out. In terms of viewership, we are growing and we are getting higher in terms of numbers, and the attention on our sport has never been so good.

“So, as I said, I take on board everything, but have a clear line on what we want to do for the future.”