Domenicali pushes back against criticism of "artificial overtaking" and adjusts the course for 2026

With the Miami Grand Prix fast approaching, Formula 1 is already fine-tuning the details of its upcoming 2026 regulations. And while Stefano Domenicali strikes a note of cautious optimism, the picture is a bit more mixed behind the scenes.

The F1 president took advantage of the April break to outline to Autosport the areas of focus currently on the table, with one guiding principle: finding the “right adjustments” without distorting the spirit of the project. A well-rehearsed official line… but one that also masks persistent questions in the paddock.

Qualifying and safety: the two priority areas

Stefano Domenicali clearly identifies two priorities in the ongoing discussions with the FIA, the teams, and the drivers.

On one hand, qualifying, which must remain a full-throttle exercise. The goal is crystal clear: to avoid phases that rely too heavily on energy management and to return to laps where drivers fully exploit their cars, whether under full throttle or under braking.

On the other hand, safety, an issue regularly raised by drivers since the first simulations and feedback on the 2026 regulations.

On paper, it's hard to argue with that. In reality, these adjustments mainly indicate that certain parameters may not have been set correctly from the start.

The crux of the matter: energy management

That is precisely where the problem lies. Since the start of the season, battery management has emerged as a central element of the spectacle… sometimes at the expense of its clarity.

The example from Japan left a lasting impression: Lando Norris overtaking Lewis Hamilton almost in spite of himself, capitalizing on an energy differential rather than a calculated maneuver. This has fueled the debate over these overtakes deemed “artificial.”

Domenicali, for his part, brushes off the criticism. For the Italian, an overtake is still an overtake, and the sport has always incorporated management phases—he specifically cites the turbo era of the 1980s and its fuel constraints.

A valid argument… but one that doesn't convince everyone. Because between strategic management and overly pronounced speed gaps, the line is sometimes thin. And when overtaking becomes a formality dictated by battery status, the duel still loses a bit of its substance, if you ask us…

A popular F1… but not immune to criticism

Domenicali emphasizes one point here: Formula 1 has never been more popular. Three sold-out races, rising viewership, and ever-growing global enthusiasm.

He's not wrong. The product is appealing, particularly to a new audience. But as is often the case, not everything that glitters is flawless.

The month-long break has, in fact, slightly dampened the momentum, and Miami will serve as a true test to gauge the impact of upcoming adjustments.

Open dialogue… and lines not to be crossed

Regarding the approach, the F1 boss emphasizes constant dialogue with all stakeholders, including the drivers, whose feedback he says he listens to carefully.

Meetings are multiplying ahead of Miami to fine-tune the plan. Officially, everything is “moving in the right direction.” Unofficially, everyone is making their moves.

Because behind the opening remarks, one reality remains: no one wants a last-minute revolution, but no one wants to drag a flawed regulation into 2026 either.

Between caution and… stubbornness?

Domenicali aims to be reassuring here: no panic, solid foundations, and a willingness to make intelligent adjustments. A logical stance at this stage.

Still, some criticisms aren't just “background noise.” The debates over qualifying and the nature of overtaking reflect real, fundamental questions about the balance of the regulations.

In short, F1 is moving forward, but feeling its way on certain issues. And as the saying goes, it's better to course-correct now than to be caught in the eye of the storm later. Miami should already offer a first glimpse of an answer… We hope so.