Stefano Domenicali respects the jewels that are Formula 1 drivers, won’t put a tape on anyone’s mouth

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali commented on the drivers’ criticism of the 2026 regulations of the sport, insisting on his massive respect for them while also claiming that no one will be silenced.

Formula 1 drivers are not happy about the 2026 rules, almost unanimously, as maybe there remains one or two happy about it, as they are winning, namely the Mercedes drivers, with Kimi Antonelli being very diplomatic and polite despite some jibes.

George Russell was happy about the regulations, as he saw them as his best way to win a maiden Formula 1 Championship. One wonders what he thinks now.

Moving on, and in a midseason session with the media, Domenicali reflected on the state of the sport, hailing the great numbers it is achieving.

But he was asked whether he was surprised by the drivers’ negative reaction to the regulations; he told Motorsport.com: “You know me, we are not here to put the tape on the mouth of anyone. I mean, the beauty of our sport is that everyone can have an opinion, but the opinion is an opinion.

“There is someone that has the duty, you know, to have a line,” the Italian pointed out. “There are certain drivers that prefer, of course, certain things. I think that in the process we have highlighted the need to be constructive in that respect.

“I think that, as you know me, I prefer to discuss things [between] four walls to find solutions. But as I said, I think that the more you are vocal on certain things that are out of the scheme, the more the negativity is not on the sport.

“It’s becoming on the personal side. So, I think that everyone understood that,” Domenicali maintained.

The Formula 1 boss insisted that drivers need to have a broader vision before deciding to criticize.

He explained: “You know very well how much I respect the jewels that are our drivers. But of course, they need to understand that there is one path we need to take together.

“And the fans are always a priority on top of everyone, even me. They [the drivers] can have a personal opinion, but I have the duty to make a summary of what is the best for the sport.

“But I think that the situation is very strong, very solid, with all the stakeholders today. So, we need to look ahead and make sure that the sport is growing, as I said, all together in the right way,” Domenicali concluded.