{"id":1902012,"date":"2026-04-24T08:58:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T05:58:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1902012"},"modified":"2026-04-24T08:58:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T05:58:54","slug":"f1-has-no-problems-f1-chiefs-firm-defence-against-2026-rules-backlash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1902012","title":{"rendered":"\u2018F1 has no problems\u2019 &#8211; F1 chief\u2019s firm defence against 2026 rules backlash"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1335058_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>\u2018F1 has no problems\u2019 &#8211; F1 chief\u2019s firm defence against 2026 rules backlash<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>F1 boss Stefano Domenicali responds to criticism about the 2026 rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Larkam <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-24T09:58:54+01:00\">24 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1335058_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1335058_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1335058_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1335058_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1335058_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1335058_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1335058_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1335058_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1335058_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>F1 president Domenicali has hit back at criticism of the new rules<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali has launched a firm defence against backlash at the new 2026 rules.<\/p>\n<p>During the unplanned April break, F1 announced a raft of rule tweaks that will debut at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix in the hope of improving the 2026 engine regulation set and addressing driver safety concerns.<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 rules have divided opinion among drivers and fans and left four-time world champion Max Verstappen considering his future due to his dissatisfaction at the direction F1 has gone in.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking in an interview with <em>The Race<\/em>, F1 chief Domenicali rejected the notion that the world championship has issues.<\/p>\n<p>Asked whether the revised rules will fix all the current problems or whether further changes will be required, Domenicali responded: \u201cI think this is not a problem of resolving the problem of Formula 1. Formula 1 has not any problems, Formula 1 is in great shape, just to make sure that is clear to everyone.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cAnd the vast majority of fans have been, since the beginning, very positive [about] what they see in terms of race action. You [the media] are the experts on this matter. But we are getting sometimes too philosophical or too technical in things that the vast majority of people do not perceive.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo I do believe that this focus will stay in the right forum, because it&#8217;s the nature of F1 to discuss and be able to improve. But it shouldn&#8217;t be at the centre of the focus for the vast majority of fans.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-263c4a3fa69c526aa81eba97815acadefc0658ae5f91174063fcf7b0f70366e1\">  McLaren addresses \u201ctotal nonsense&#8221; Gianpiero Lambiase rumours   Allan McNish set for new racing director role at Audi F1 team <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt is the nature of someone who wants to protect the business to react if they see that there are things that need to be taken in a different direction. The approach will not change, but I think that the focus should now be really on what has to be done.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you&#8217;re asking me also, if this will be enough to answer other questions that were posed before. Maybe yes, maybe no. I don&#8217;t know. I don&#8217;t have that answer.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For sure, there will be a focus within the teams, the drivers, and the FIA, who is the one that has to coordinate everything, that has that responsibility as a regulator, to think, what could happen in the next couple of years?\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b38d7d3a4a151fe69267c4c9d1cb80dd05d2cff4a77d323f3af6dbc5330a8fe8\">  McLaren shuts down Max Verstappen F1 links as Mercedes \u201cbet\u201d made   Max Verstappen quit threats &#8216;the gauge&#8217; of F1 tweak success <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2><strong>Fan backlash dismissed<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>F1 will trial new rules at the Miami Grand Prix<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Domenicali was also quick to dismiss the idea that fans are not happy with the product.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s very simple. You check it. Sold out every race. First things that everyone with their eyes can see. It is amazing,\u201d Domenicali said of how fans have reacted to the rules.<\/p>\n<p>When it was put to him that tickets were sold before the season began, Domenicali replied: \u201cNo, no, no. Even now, so far is all good. So I don&#8217;t see this negativity. We have data that our people can give you in terms of real numbers. It is all positive.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are getting too [into the] engineer [mindset], and that&#8217;s why sometimes we miss the spot of: people want to have action, want to see things that are creating the right place to fight for something.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cSo personally, if there is something that I would say, \u2018it is negative\u2019. I would say I have no problem to say that. We&#8217;re always listening. You know me very well, so I&#8217;m listening. But someone has to take the decision. I mean, we are not here that we can offer only one product.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was fascinated by some comments that came the other day when they say, \u2018ah there is a lot of attention now on GT\u2019. Yes. Max Verstappen is an F1 driver there. Put a lot of eyes there. Kimi Antonelli. Who is he racing for? Formula 1. He went to Imola [to wave the starting flag at the World Endurance Championship season opener]. And it was everyone talking about Kimi Antonelli, with all due respect.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo F1 is still a bright light that is inspiring a lot of fans, a lot of people. Look at the bigger trajectory. Look at the bigger picture. Therefore, I would say in that respect, I&#8217;m really looking forward to seeing how this championship will finish, because there will be a lot of action on the track.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c[It] will be fascinating for you to explain, because the success of F1 is thanks to what you&#8217;re doing together with us, because without your voice explaining what is behind the scenes, what is actually so fascinating, it will not be possible.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo even for us, we have the duty to explain that in a very positive way, because otherwise we will shoot ourselves in the foot, that this doesn&#8217;t make any sense. But that is not the defensive position.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> McLaren addresses \u201ctotal nonsense&#8221; Gianpiero Lambiase F1 team boss rumours<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1389527_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1389527_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1389527_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1389527_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1389527_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1389527_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1389527_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1389527_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1389527_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-257bb07b593cc5af6e9e88c56d8216174e4987da1334195e57a699670017fa57\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Larkam<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-49b573b61f1c2df0f88526465b8770cf29737a19f6291bb93d4d86ec88bc1a0b\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>F1 2026 rule tweaks prompt significant Miami practice change<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776949680\"> 20h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1343016_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Miami practice will be half an hour longer \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>British karting star eclipses Hamilton as McLaren\u2019s youngest driver<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776947891\"> 21h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/harry-williams-17.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Harry Williams is McLaren's youngest-ever driver\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why Toto Wolff is critical of &#8216;unenjoyable&#8217; Antonelli-Senna F1 comparisons<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776941640\"> 22h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404056_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli celebrates his second F1 career pole position in Japan\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How much slower will the cars be under revised F1 2026 rules?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776939800\"> 23h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403862_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"F1 has tweaked the 2026 engine rules after criticism \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>FIA explains \u2018evolution not revolution\u2019 F1 2026 rule tweaks<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776938400\"> 23h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404393_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"F1 teams have unanimously agreed to rule tweaks for 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri react to Max Verstappen F1 quit threat<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776935416\"> 23\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396686_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen could yet walk away from F1 \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>F1 boss Stefano Domenicali responds to criticism about the 2026 rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali has launched a firm defence against backlash at the new 2026 rules.<\/p>\n<p>During the unplanned April break, F1 announced a raft of rule tweaks that will debut at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix in the hope of improving the 2026 engine regulation set and addressing driver safety concerns.<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 rules have divided opinion among drivers and fans and left four-time world champion Max Verstappen considering his future due to his dissatisfaction at the direction F1 has gone in.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking in an interview with <em>The Race<\/em>, F1 chief Domenicali rejected the notion that the world championship has issues.<\/p>\n<p>Asked whether the revised rules will fix all the current problems or whether further changes will be required, Domenicali responded: \u201cI think this is not a problem of resolving the problem of Formula 1. Formula 1 has not any problems, Formula 1 is in great shape, just to make sure that is clear to everyone.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cAnd the vast majority of fans have been, since the beginning, very positive [about] what they see in terms of race action. You [the media] are the experts on this matter. But we are getting sometimes too philosophical or too technical in things that the vast majority of people do not perceive.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo I do believe that this focus will stay in the right forum, because it&#8217;s the nature of F1 to discuss and be able to improve. But it shouldn&#8217;t be at the centre of the focus for the vast majority of fans.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-263c4a3fa69c526aa81eba97815acadefc0658ae5f91174063fcf7b0f70366e1\">  McLaren addresses \u201ctotal nonsense&#8221; Gianpiero Lambiase rumours   Allan McNish set for new racing director role at Audi F1 team <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt is the nature of someone who wants to protect the business to react if they see that there are things that need to be taken in a different direction. The approach will not change, but I think that the focus should now be really on what has to be done.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you&#8217;re asking me also, if this will be enough to answer other questions that were posed before. Maybe yes, maybe no. I don&#8217;t know. I don&#8217;t have that answer.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For sure, there will be a focus within the teams, the drivers, and the FIA, who is the one that has to coordinate everything, that has that responsibility as a regulator, to think, what could happen in the next couple of years?\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b38d7d3a4a151fe69267c4c9d1cb80dd05d2cff4a77d323f3af6dbc5330a8fe8\">  McLaren shuts down Max Verstappen F1 links as Mercedes \u201cbet\u201d made   Max Verstappen quit threats &#8216;the gauge&#8217; of F1 tweak success <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2><strong>Fan backlash dismissed<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>F1 will trial new rules at the Miami Grand Prix<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Domenicali was also quick to dismiss the idea that fans are not happy with the product.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s very simple. You check it. Sold out every race. First things that everyone with their eyes can see. It is amazing,\u201d Domenicali said of how fans have reacted to the rules.<\/p>\n<p>When it was put to him that tickets were sold before the season began, Domenicali replied: \u201cNo, no, no. Even now, so far is all good. So I don&#8217;t see this negativity. We have data that our people can give you in terms of real numbers. It is all positive.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are getting too [into the] engineer [mindset], and that&#8217;s why sometimes we miss the spot of: people want to have action, want to see things that are creating the right place to fight for something.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cSo personally, if there is something that I would say, \u2018it is negative\u2019. I would say I have no problem to say that. We&#8217;re always listening. You know me very well, so I&#8217;m listening. But someone has to take the decision. I mean, we are not here that we can offer only one product.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was fascinated by some comments that came the other day when they say, \u2018ah there is a lot of attention now on GT\u2019. Yes. Max Verstappen is an F1 driver there. Put a lot of eyes there. Kimi Antonelli. Who is he racing for? Formula 1. He went to Imola [to wave the starting flag at the World Endurance Championship season opener]. And it was everyone talking about Kimi Antonelli, with all due respect.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo F1 is still a bright light that is inspiring a lot of fans, a lot of people. Look at the bigger trajectory. Look at the bigger picture. Therefore, I would say in that respect, I&#8217;m really looking forward to seeing how this championship will finish, because there will be a lot of action on the track.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c[It] will be fascinating for you to explain, because the success of F1 is thanks to what you&#8217;re doing together with us, because without your voice explaining what is behind the scenes, what is actually so fascinating, it will not be possible.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo even for us, we have the duty to explain that in a very positive way, because otherwise we will shoot ourselves in the foot, that this doesn&#8217;t make any sense. But that is not the defensive position.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali has launched a firm defence against backlash at the new 2026 rules.<\/p>\n<p>During the unplanned April break, F1 announced a raft of rule tweaks that will debut at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix in the hope of improving the 2026 engine regulation set and addressing driver safety concerns.<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 rules have divided opinion among drivers and fans and left four-time world champion Max Verstappen considering his future due to his dissatisfaction at the direction F1 has gone in.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking in an interview with <em>The Race<\/em>, F1 chief Domenicali rejected the notion that the world championship has issues.<\/p>\n<p>Asked whether the revised rules will fix all the current problems or whether further changes will be required, Domenicali responded: \u201cI think this is not a problem of resolving the problem of Formula 1. Formula 1 has not any problems, Formula 1 is in great shape, just to make sure that is clear to everyone.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cAnd the vast majority of fans have been, since the beginning, very positive [about] what they see in terms of race action. You [the media] are the experts on this matter. But we are getting sometimes too philosophical or too technical in things that the vast majority of people do not perceive.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo I do believe that this focus will stay in the right forum, because it&#8217;s the nature of F1 to discuss and be able to improve. But it shouldn&#8217;t be at the centre of the focus for the vast majority of fans.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-263c4a3fa69c526aa81eba97815acadefc0658ae5f91174063fcf7b0f70366e1\">  McLaren addresses \u201ctotal nonsense&#8221; Gianpiero Lambiase rumours   Allan McNish set for new racing director role at Audi F1 team <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt is the nature of someone who wants to protect the business to react if they see that there are things that need to be taken in a different direction. The approach will not change, but I think that the focus should now be really on what has to be done.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you&#8217;re asking me also, if this will be enough to answer other questions that were posed before. Maybe yes, maybe no. I don&#8217;t know. I don&#8217;t have that answer.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For sure, there will be a focus within the teams, the drivers, and the FIA, who is the one that has to coordinate everything, that has that responsibility as a regulator, to think, what could happen in the next couple of years?\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b38d7d3a4a151fe69267c4c9d1cb80dd05d2cff4a77d323f3af6dbc5330a8fe8\">  McLaren shuts down Max Verstappen F1 links as Mercedes \u201cbet\u201d made   Max Verstappen quit threats &#8216;the gauge&#8217; of F1 tweak success <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2><strong>Fan backlash dismissed<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>F1 will trial new rules at the Miami Grand Prix<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Domenicali was also quick to dismiss the idea that fans are not happy with the product.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s very simple. You check it. Sold out every race. First things that everyone with their eyes can see. It is amazing,\u201d Domenicali said of how fans have reacted to the rules.<\/p>\n<p>When it was put to him that tickets were sold before the season began, Domenicali replied: \u201cNo, no, no. Even now, so far is all good. So I don&#8217;t see this negativity. We have data that our people can give you in terms of real numbers. It is all positive.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are getting too [into the] engineer [mindset], and that&#8217;s why sometimes we miss the spot of: people want to have action, want to see things that are creating the right place to fight for something.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cSo personally, if there is something that I would say, \u2018it is negative\u2019. I would say I have no problem to say that. We&#8217;re always listening. You know me very well, so I&#8217;m listening. But someone has to take the decision. I mean, we are not here that we can offer only one product.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was fascinated by some comments that came the other day when they say, \u2018ah there is a lot of attention now on GT\u2019. Yes. Max Verstappen is an F1 driver there. Put a lot of eyes there. Kimi Antonelli. Who is he racing for? Formula 1. He went to Imola [to wave the starting flag at the World Endurance Championship season opener]. And it was everyone talking about Kimi Antonelli, with all due respect.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo F1 is still a bright light that is inspiring a lot of fans, a lot of people. Look at the bigger trajectory. Look at the bigger picture. Therefore, I would say in that respect, I&#8217;m really looking forward to seeing how this championship will finish, because there will be a lot of action on the track.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c[It] will be fascinating for you to explain, because the success of F1 is thanks to what you&#8217;re doing together with us, because without your voice explaining what is behind the scenes, what is actually so fascinating, it will not be possible.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo even for us, we have the duty to explain that in a very positive way, because otherwise we will shoot ourselves in the foot, that this doesn&#8217;t make any sense. But that is not the defensive position.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1093348\/1\/f1-has-no-problems-f1-chiefs-firm-defence-against-2026-rules-backlash&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1335058_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] \u2018F1 has no problems\u2019 &#8211; F1 chief\u2019s firm defence against 2026 rules backlash F1 boss Stefano Domenicali responds to criticism about the 2026 rules. Lewis Larkam 24 Apr 2026 Share F1 president Domenicali has hit back at criticism of the new rules Add as a preferred source Formula 1 president and CEO [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1902012","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1902012","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1902012"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1902012\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1902012"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1902012"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1902012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}