Domenicali confident in resolving F1's 2026 rules arguments

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is optimistic that the debate over the sport's upcoming 2026 regulations will soon be resolved.

Drivers and teams have raised concerns regarding the chassis alterations and gimmicks needed to integrate the new power units' ambitious hybrid components, amidst speculation that Renault might drop the project.

However, Domenicali suggests that adjustments to the rules could still be made.

"The last word has not yet been spoken," he declared to Auto Motor und Sport.

"We still have enough time to make improvements. We must now act wisely and look for sensible solutions instead of pointing fingers at each other."

Domenicali also acknowledged that if the engine rules were being formulated today, focusing solely on sustainable fuels might have sufficed for the carmakers.

"The world has recognised that there are several ways to achieve sustainability," the Italian commented. "My personal opinion is that it would be enough to have the climate-neutral fuel. But at the time we had to take the manufacturers' wishes into account. I can imagine that with the next regulations we can limit ourselves to sustainable fuel.

"Then the cars and engines would be lighter and less complex again, and the engines would have a good sound again. But right now we should focus on the next step, not the one after that."

Former F1 engineer Kees van de Grint argues that the ongoing controversy and disputes over the current rules have been exacerbated by the teams themselves.

"The teams talk far too much and this slows everything down," the ex-Bridgestone and Ferrari expert told Formule 1 Paddockpraat. "Look at the attempts to abolish the tyre warmers, which has been talked about for years. They are still there! I think the regulator should just say 'This is the rule, see how you solve it'."

Van de Grint also believes that the ambitions for the 2026 regulations aren't high enough.

"There simply has to be drastic changes," he stated. "It's all such small details now.

"Take the weight, for example. The cars are now far too heavy and yet they're only reducing it by 30kg. As far as I'm concerned, it should be 200kg, but there are all these people saying it is not possible. Nonsense," the Dutchman concluded. "Everything is possible in Formula 1."