Stefano Domenicali comments on if F1 could move away from new regulations after driver complaints

Stefano Domenicali has outlined how F1 plans to address driver concerns over the new regulations, which have come under scrutiny following recent safety incidents.

Bearman’s accident at Suzuka, where he was hit from behind by Franco Colapinto, has put a spotlight on the 2026 regulations and whether they might increase risks for drivers.

Domenicali acknowledged the concerns but explained that changing rules isn’t a simple process, even with safety in mind. The sport’s structure means any adjustments would need widespread agreement across several different groups.

“The FIA should always listen,” Domenicali said. “It is clear that everyone can express their opinion, but then there are governance structures to follow.”

Stefano Domenicali gives negative update on new F1 regulations being scrapped before 2031

Speaking to Autosport, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali discussed the likelihood of changing the new regulations before 2031 and made it clear that changes aren’t likely.

The main reason he cited was the heavy financial commitment manufacturers have already made to those rules well in advance.

Domenicali said: “You need to understand that, while we all want to have everything as soon as possible, with regards to this set of regulations there are manufacturers who have invested a lot and started a long time ago.

“In this moment, to have a manufacturer that invests in Formula 1 is something incredible, which deserves our total respect. Because in this context, you don’t want to take that for granted.

“And let the FIA coordinate with their vision of what could be the right set of regulations that can be proposed to the manufacturer and to the teams.

“The regulations, in terms of governance, are expiring at the end of 2030. The agreement is part in that. After that, there is the possibility for the FIA to produce a set of regulations.

Stefano Domenicali backs F1 move to lighter, more efficient cars

In the same interview, Domenicali also spoke about his vision for Formula 1, saying he’d like to see the sport shift towards lighter cars and more sustainable power units.

“I definitely see personally – but it’s up, of course, to the FIA to propose that – a sort of sustainable fuel for sure at the centre of the future, with a different balance of what could be the electrification with a strong internal combustion engine.

“Because that’s motorsport. It will allow [us] to save a lot of kilos, to have pure racing in that respect, in terms of a lighter car, smaller cars that you can really push as much as you can. So that’s going in the direction I believe that the purists should be happier.

“In terms of the racing itself, with some adjustment it is great on track. Don’t misunderstand me on that. But still very heavy. The battery has brought a lot of things into place when you design a car. So these are the things we need to process and react.”