Stefano Domenicali declares F1 'duty' after strong driver rules criticism

Stefano Domenicali declares F1 'duty' after strong driver rules criticism 

Stefano Domenicali has explained that it is his "duty" to ensure he does "what is best" for F1 after the fierce driver criticism over grand prix racing's new technical regulations. 

With the new power units now generating 50% of their total power output from the beefed-up battery systems, some drivers launched fierce criticism of the new regulations during the early parts of the season, with Max Verstappen being most vocal. 

The four-time champion branded the new high-energy management style of driving as "anti-racing" and like "Formula E on steroids" during pre-season testing, with drivers also voicing concerns about the loss of the challenge of high-speed corners such as the Esses at Suzuka, with Fernando Alonso even branding these as "charging stations" for the batteries.

During the April shutdown, talks were held between the drivers, F1, and the FIA, with a roadmap laid out to increase the percentage of power from the internal combustion engine up to 60% by 2028, thus reducing the reliance on the batteries.

Discussing the situation around the drivers openly being critical, Domenicali insisted that F1 would not "put tape on the mouth of anyone" as he explained he must do what is best for grand prix racing - with the 2026 rules being designed to entice new manufacturers into the series, which it has achieved through Audi and Honda's return as a power unit supplier. 

"We are not here to put tape on the mouth of anyone," Domenicali told media, including RacingNews365. 

"I mean, the beauty of a sport is that everyone can have an opinion, but the opinion is an opinion. There is someone who has the duty to have a line. There are certain drivers who prefer, of course, certain things. 

"I think that in the process, we have highlighted the need to be constructive in that respect, but I go back to the things that this change was connected to a reason that was a vital reason. 

"That has been adjusted, and I prefer to discuss things in that respect, in the four walls, to find solutions. But as I said, I think that the more you are vocal on certain things, the more the negativity is not on the sport; is becoming on the personal side. 

"So I think that everyone understood that, and in that respect, I respect the drivers, but of course they need to understand that there is one path that we need to take together, and the fans, as a priority on top of everyone, even me, can have a personal opinion.

"But I have the duty to make a summary of what is best for the sport, and I think that the situation is very strong, very solid with all the stakeholders today. So we need to look ahead and make sure that the sport is growing, as I said, all together in the right way."