Domenicali looking to 'simplify' Formula 1 rules in the future

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Incoming Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali says the sport must simplify its sporting and technical regulations in the future and lower the cost of its next generation engine.

Domenicali will take the reins of Formula One Management from Chase Carey on January 1, and the former Scuderia boss and Lamborghini CEO has already singled out several priorities on his agenda.

Among the Italian's first concerns is F1's next generation engine which is scheduled to be introduced in 2026 but could be ushered in a year earlier.

Regardless of the timeline, Domenicali wants F1 teams to be able to rely on cheaper power units, the advantage of which would also attract new manufacturers to the sport rather than encourage them to leave as is the case with Honda which will exit F1 at the end of 2021.

"We cannot keep confronting the manufacturers with the costs of today's engines," argued Domenicali in an interview with Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We want to avoid the mistakes that were made in the past. And we have to simplify the rules. If you look at the technical or sporting regulations, it looks like a Bible.

"The set of rules has to be simplified, at the same time we have to keep the scope for interpretation as small as possible and avoid gray areas."

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Furthermore, Domenicali wants to put the drivers back at the forefront of F1's performance in an environment that would also give the younger generation of racers a chance to shine, for the benefit of the sport and its entertainment value for the fans.

"We have to make sure that our sport focuses more on the driver again, like in motorcycle racing where you can tell that it is the rider who makes the difference," he added.

"And in this respect, Formula 1 has never been so well positioned as it is now, with so many young and so strong drivers."

"We don't just want to involve people through the drivers. A Grand Prix has to be a mix of sport, entertainment and music, like a concert, a unique experience."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.