F1 pre-season testing: Stefano Domenicali calls for calm in face of criticism of new rules
BBC World
February 20, 2026
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Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali has urged calm as drivers criticize the new rules introduced this season, while emphasizing that adjustments will be made if necessary. The sport’s four active world champions—Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, and Lando Norris—have all expressed dissatisfaction with the new car designs and engine regulations. Despite the backlash, Domenicali believes these changes are part of a natural evolution aimed at attracting new engine manufacturers like Audi and Cadillac, as well as retaining Honda. He highlighted that the cars are still beautiful and performant, but acknowledged that the complexity of energy management systems has made driving feel less intuitive for drivers.
The new rules, which include tripled electrical power from the engines and simplified battery systems, have forced teams to adopt innovative strategies to maximize energy efficiency. Drivers have described these adjustments as “counter-intuitive,” such as lifting and coasting during laps or avoiding full acceleration at certain points to optimize performance. While some aspects of the cars’ handling have been praised, the complexity of the new regulations has overshadowed the racing experience for many competitors.
Domenicali emphasized that the focus should remain on delivering exciting races with overtaking opportunities and driver challenges. He reassured fans that any issues will be addressed based on feedback from pre-season testing and data analysis during the first few races. The sport’s governing body, FIA, is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that Formula 1 remains engaging for both drivers and fans.
Ultimately, Domenicali believes these changes are a step toward modernizing the sport while maintaining
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026