Stefano Domenicali believes Max Verstappen will remain in Formula 1 and has identified Kimi Antonelli as one of the defining figures of the sport’s new generation. The Formula 1 President and CEO also outlined a future built around lighter cars, simpler regulations, sustainable fuels and machinery that allows drivers to push harder.
During a meeting with selected media representatives, Stefano Domenicali assessed the technical and sporting impact of the current regulations, including the scepticism and criticism voiced throughout the year by drivers and other leading figures within the paddock. He believes Formula 1 must work towards becoming a simpler, more balanced and sustainable sport, while giving drivers greater freedom to perform at their limit. The planned changes for 2027 are, in his view, a step in the right direction as discussions continue over the next generation of power units.
Domenicali says fans are enjoying the competitive F1 championship
Stefano Domenicali revisited the criticism that accompanied the introduction of the new technical regulations, arguing that events on the track have disproved many of the concerns raised during the winter.
“From the beginning of the year, there was a major debate about the technical regulations, particularly within our own environment, among drivers and those working in the sport,” Stefano Domenicali explained. “At the start of the year, many people also thought the championship was already over and that Mercedes would dominate. In reality, that has not happened. The championship has become extremely fascinating. There is a huge amount of action on the track and the fans are appreciating it.”
The competitive picture has helped generate an engaging title contest, with Kimi Antonelli strengthening his position at the top through a Hungarian Grand Prix podium from seventh on the grid. The evolving championship situation can also be followed in the updated Formula 1 driver standings.
Stefano Domenicali stressed that the wider audience is primarily interested in the spectacle rather than Formula 1’s most complicated technical details.
“The fans do not dwell on the more complex technical discussions. What they see is a spectacular Formula 1, and the response has been extremely positive.”
This philosophy also influenced the decision to simplify some of the information presented during television broadcasts. One example is the choice to stop displaying the battery status live and showing how each driver is using the available electrical energy.
“Many fans are not interested in that. Some are, while others only want to watch the action on the track, such as Max Verstappen’s overtake on Lewis Hamilton in Hungary. That is a work of art; afterwards, they are not interested in why or how it happened.”
Max Verstappen’s pass on Lewis Hamilton became one of the most memorable moments of the Hungarian weekend, which produced an eventful race despite the Hungaroring’s reputation as a circuit where overtaking can be difficult. The complete finishing order is available in the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix results.
Stefano Domenicali expects the championship battle to remain exciting and believes more teams and drivers could celebrate victories before the end of the season.
“There will be other teams winning races and other drivers who will be able to fight for victory. All of this will make the end of the season even more interesting.”
Lighter cars and simpler F1 regulations targeted for the future
The current rules have frequently attracted criticism from people directly involved in Formula 1, including drivers, team members, commentators, journalists and fans. Stefano Domenicali acknowledged that their views must be considered, but also emphasised the reasons behind the regulatory framework.
“It is normal in a sport to listen to comments from drivers, teams and manufacturers,” he said. “These rules were not written by chance five or seven years ago. They were created for a very specific reason.”
Dialogue with Formula 1’s stakeholders will continue as the sport evaluates its future direction.
“It is right for the FIA to listen to the manufacturers and drivers in order to improve the technological aspects, but I believe the direction that has been taken is the correct one for our sport.”
Stefano Domenicali also responded to some of the criticism expressed by drivers during the season. Several competitors have questioned the characteristics of the new cars, including Max Verstappen, who believes the 2026 racing has validated some of his earlier warnings.
“We are not here to silence anyone. Everyone has the right to their own opinion,” Stefano Domenicali said. At the same time, he reiterated the responsibility carried by Formula 1’s governing bodies.
“There are people who have the responsibility to make decisions in the interest of the sport. The drivers must understand that there is a common direction to follow and that the FIA has the final responsibility. I prefer to discuss problems in order to find solutions. The situation with all the stakeholders is very solid today, and we must continue looking ahead.”
Formula 1 preparing for decisive power unit discussions
One of the central issues is Formula 1’s technical future beyond the present regulatory cycle. Stefano Domenicali believes the discussions have now reached a decisive stage.
“I believe this is the right time to discuss the future of the power units.”
The objective is to simplify Formula 1 without sacrificing technological innovation. “The goal is to have lighter cars, powered by sustainable fuels, with electrification but also with regulations that are as simple as possible.”
The driver’s role will be particularly important when the next regulatory framework is established. “We want to give the drivers the opportunity to push harder because that is one of the requests they have made to us most strongly.”
Stefano Domenicali expects Formula 1’s longer-term plans to become significantly clearer before the end of the year.
“I believe that by the end of the season, we will be in a position to present a regulatory package ready for discussion.”
Formula 1 has two possible paths: it can wait until the natural conclusion of the current regulatory cycle or bring forward certain changes through an agreement involving the FIA, manufacturers and teams. Preparations for that next phase have already begun in other areas, including the first Pirelli 2027 Formula 1 tyre testing at the Hungararoring.
Carbon neutrality and sustainable fuels remain F1 priorities
Stefano Domenicali reiterated that environmental sustainability remains one of Formula 1’s primary objectives.
“The goal of becoming a carbon-neutral ecosystem by 2030 will not change,” he said. Sustainable fuels will remain central to that strategy: “Sustainable fuels will continue to be an integral part of our plans.”
However, Stefano Domenicali explained that the most significant area requiring action is the extensive logistics operation needed to organise a global championship.
“The emissions generated on the track represent only 1–2% of the total. The real challenge is the logistics required to organise a world championship. Even though we are currently seeing a certain return of scepticism on these issues, we will continue to pursue the objectives we have set.”
Stefano Domenicali confident about Max Verstappen’s F1 future
Max Verstappen’s F1 future was another major subject of discussion. Stefano Domenicali revealed that he had spoken personally with the four-time world champion, just as he regularly exchanges views with other drivers.
“We also discussed the future regulations together,” Stefano Domenicali said. “I have an extraordinary relationship with Max.”
Stefano Domenicali is therefore optimistic that Max Verstappen will continue racing in Formula 1, regardless of the speculation that has surrounded the Red Bull driver’s longer-term plans.
“I believe Max loves Formula 1, loves this sport and I am convinced that he will continue to be part of it. He will choose his own future, but I truly hope that he stays with us. Formula 1 is bigger than anyone, but Max represents an important part of our present and our future.”
Kimi Antonelli hailed as a symbol of F1’s new generation
Stefano Domenicali also offered considerable praise for Kimi Antonelli, identifying the Mercedes driver as one of the most important faces of Formula 1’s future.
“For Formula 1, Kimi is an extraordinary asset. He is fresh, spontaneous and deals with everything that is happening to him with great naturalness. He has brought in a huge number of new fans through the way he communicates.”
From a sporting perspective, Stefano Domenicali regards Kimi Antonelli as one of the most promising talents on the international stage. The Italian has nevertheless sought to establish his own identity, resisting comparisons with Max Verstappen and Lando Norris despite his growing success.
“He has shown that he is very strong. Without the two retirements caused by technical problems, he would have an even greater championship lead.”
Stefano Domenicali also praised Mercedes for the way it managed Kimi Antonelli’s development during a challenging period.
“Toto Wolff and the team protected him exceptionally well last year when he was also being criticised.”
For Italy, Kimi Antonelli represents a driver with the potential to make a lasting impact and restore a level of enthusiasm that has been missing for many years.
“For the Italian fans, he is even more important because, for many years, there had not been a driver capable of generating excitement at this level. I have known Kimi for many years and I believe he represents an incredible asset for the future of Formula 1.”
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