Domenicali: “What does artificial overtaking mean? The elderly who criticize have short memories, it was like that even in the ’80s”

Willingness to change

In the long interview given to Autosport, Stefano Domenicali spoke extensively about the changes that F1 intends to make to the 2026 regulations. The Italian manager is confident that the spectacle can be improved, giving drivers more familiar sensations in qualifying, without neglecting the safety issue – especially after Oliver Bearman’s accident in Suzuka.

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Domenicali’s analysis

Stefano Domenicali explained, starting from afar: “I think it is very important to remember why we changed the regulations. The current rule system exists because five years ago – and it feels like fifty – manufacturers thought the only way to progress and stay involved in motorsport was to be 50:50 or electric or find a balance between thermal and hybrid. If we look now at what is happening in the automotive industry, we are moving back more to hybrid and internal combustion engines with sustainable fuels. And we will talk about this in the discussions for future power units.”

Regarding the changes under discussion, Domenicali stated: “Criticizing for the sake of criticizing helps no one, and is completely useless. There are meetings ongoing this and next week, before Miami, to see what can be done to improve the situation. We are considering two aspects, the first is qualifying – to try to be as much as possible at full power or full braking; then there is safety, taking into account some drivers’ concerns.”

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Domenicali responds to criticism on overtaking

The F1 president then responded to criticism on overtaking: “Some say it is artificial. But what does ‘artificial’ mean? An overtake is an overtake. And people have short memories, because in the turbo era, in the 80s, lift and coast was done, different turbos were used, different speeds, and you had to save in the race because the tank was too small and you wouldn’t make it to the end. Perhaps some of the older people who criticize or comment have short memories. If you look back to the 80s and the turbo era, these things were already there. It’s part of the game, you have to adapt in the right way. Overall, the fans’ reaction has been very positive. I can’t wait to see in Miami what the result of the changes we will make will be,” concluded Domenicali.

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