Delusional Stefano Domenicali says fans reaction to 2026 Formula 1 regulations very positive

As the sport scrambles over the unexpected April break to try and save face by applying quick fixes for their shambolic 2026 regulations, Domenicali doubled down on his claims that all is good and dandy in Formula 1.

In an interview with Autosport, the Formula 1 boss insists the new regulations are a success; he said: “The result is magnificent, it's great. Everyone is [saying], ‘Wow, what is going on?’ A lot of action, and this is what people want to see.

“Globally speaking, it has been a very positive reaction from the fans," the Italian added.

And here we have to ask, which fans is Domenicali talking about?

Are those the fans whose comments were removed from Formula 1 social media platforms in a blatant suppression of their rights to comment on the sport they follow and love?

The former Ferrari boss went on pointing out how magnificent the situation is, saying: "The intensity and the attention on what we're doing is fantastic.

"Three events sold out. In terms of viewership, we are growing and we are getting higher in terms of numbers, and the attention on our sport has never been so good.

“So, as I said, I take on board everything but have a clear line on what we want to do for the future," he insisted.

Granted, the numbers are so good right now, but the focus should be on the future, because it is highly doubtful that Formula 1 can survive another five years of these regulations dreaded by drivers and real fans, not the Drive to Survive ones that will jump off the F1 train as fast as they jumped on it once they lose interest.

But despite everything being fantastic, Domenicali admitted changes need to be done with the regulations, pointing out meetings with the FIA and other stakeholders to decide tweaks by Miami.

He said: “Hopefully before Miami, the FIA will inform what will be, let's say, the adjustment that will be done to tackle mainly two considerations.

“First is qualifying—to try to be as much as you can on full power or full braking, whatever it is. And on the other hand, of course, to make sure that certain concerns that drivers highlight on the safety side will be fixed in the right way.”

They are not concerns anymore, Stefano! They are materialized. Franco Colapinto almost wiped Liam Lawson out in Melbourne, and Oliver Bearman was lucky to walk away from his 50G crash in Suzuka.

While Domenicali is happy with the regulations discussions, he admitted he is not happy with the critics.

He said: “Generally speaking, when we're talking about something, [it is] always great because that generates a constructive discussion.

"What I don't like is people who love to criticize. I don't know why, by the way. Criticizing to criticize doesn't help anyone and has really zero effect," he added.

If you do not know why people are criticizing, then that is a real problem, but that somehow explains why you relentlessly insist the new regulations are great.

Furthermore, it is not just people who are criticizing; a four-time F1 champion and generational talent—Max Verstappen—is not happy with your fancy regulations and labels them anti-racing. All other drivers, except Mercedes', share this opinion.

Lando Norris, who tried to give the regulations a chance before the season started, soon changed his mind after the first three races.

In the end, Mr. Domenicali, if the rules are so brilliant, why the need to change them? Keep everything as it is and let's see the numbers in a couple of years…