Stefano Domenicali, the chief executive of Formula One, has issued an urgent plea for calm after damning driver criticism of the sport’s new regulations emerged during pre-season testing. The Italian conceded that F1 is prepared to intervene and enforce changes should the racing prove disappointing.
There has been a clamour of discontent over how the new rules will play out, particularly the role of energy management rather than driving flat-out. Four-time champion Max Verstappen dismissed the rules as being “anti-racing” and insinuated he might leave F1 if he no longer enjoyed driving the new cars. Lewis Hamilton aired concerns that the racing would be incomprehensible to fans, while Lando Norris admitted he agreed with most of the criticism.
Speaking on the second day of the final pre-season test in Bahrain, Domenicali faced a broadside of questions. “I’m totally positive to say that there will be another incredible year,” he said. “I don’t feel this anxiety, we need to stay calm because as always when there is something happening as a new regulation there’s always the doubt that everything is wrong.” He added that if something needed rectifying, the sport would act together as a system.
Nikolas Tombazis, single-seater director of the FIA, also weighed in, saying the sport was ready to take action to change the rules if required. “We are completely conscious that we may need to make adjustments,” he said. However, no changes would take place until an assessment was made after the opening rounds in Australia and China.
Domenicali was unequivocal that action would be taken quickly if needed. “For me, what has to be protected and if this will not be the case we need to intervene, is having great racing, great overtaking opportunities, great challenges that you can give to the drivers to show if they are the best,” he said.
