Domenicali urges ‘open mindset’ on 2026 F1 cars and early races

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has called for patience and perspective as the sport heads towards one of the most radical regulation overhauls in its history in 2026.

The sweeping changes – which will see both chassis and power unit rules rewritten – have already sparked debate among drivers, some of whom have expressed concerns after early simulator runs of the next-generation cars.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc recently suggested the new machines could be “less enjoyable” to drive.

But Domenicali insists the sport must not “overreact” to the opening races of this bold new era, urging fans, teams, and drivers to embrace the evolution with open minds.

Drivers’ Concerns vs. Development Reality

Speaking on a recent The Race podcast, Domenicali highlighted that driver reactions to the 2026 concepts must be viewed in context.

"We don't have to forget that there are two approaches on new regulations," he said. "One is tactical, and the teams are playing that game…and this leads to certain comments and views being made.

"They have some purpose to that [which] is not really the one that we believe, and is the one that is taking them to make some comments.”

Domenicali sees these early criticisms as part of a strategic game, with teams possibly posturing for advantage. He also points out that the cars are still evolving.

"The second is because it's still on an evolution path,” he added. “I remember that the real discussion that we had with the FIA and the teams and the drivers at the beginning of the year, already today is totally different.

"So before even starting the new regulation, there is an evolution of things that go in the right direction.

"And where, at the beginning, I was hearing 'lift and coast, lift and coast', already today this argument is almost fading away.

"It's still there in maybe two, or three situations, but I'm pretty convinced that the relation is there between the teams and the FIA, because they are the one that, at the end of the day, needs to make sure that this adjustment of regulation will be solved.”

A Patient and Open Mindset

Domenicali stressed that the first races of 2026 will inevitably draw intense scrutiny – but urged the paddock and fans alike to take a measured approach.

"The mindset is to be open to understand what is happening,” the Italian explained.

"Today there are so many theories that everything is possible. The right thing to do is, first of all, not to overreact, because we have seen in our experience of F1...that sometimes there has been always an overcautious approach and things have developed in different ways.”

Domenicali is confident that time will reveal the true impact of the changes, with some teams already eyeing ways to exploit the new rules.

"So I would say, let's wait and see where we are. And then if there is the need to make some adjustment, we don't have to do it straight away.

"There is the time to wait a little bit to make sure that we understand exactly what we're talking about.

Read also:

• Williams tells drivers: Don’t judge 2026 F1 cars on first sim runs

"There could be already, potentially, some teams or manufacturers that are thinking how to evolve the development of the car, taking the benefit of the new regulations.

"So the approach will be always to be curious. There will be an incredible attention of the first race of the year….but it is right to say that there is the need to give the right time and the right discussion with the FIA and the teams, to see if there are some big things that we are missing."

With the 2026 revolution now just over six months away, Domenicali’s message is clear: keep an open mind, trust the process, and let the new era prove itself on track before rushing to judgement.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook