‘Protect the Jewel’: Domenicali Calls for Unity Amid F1 Power Unit Backlash

Domenicali promises fixes after Verstappen blasts new rules

Max Verstappen called F1’s new racing style “a joke” after the Chinese GP and hinted at a 2027 break. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says FIA rule changes coming next week aim to let drivers run “full power” and address safety concerns. The season resumes in Miami on May 3rd after cancellations.

F1 chief Domenicali, says Verstappen understands the ‘bigger picture’ in power unit debate. Verstappen threatens 2027 break as FIA prepares hybrid engine changes...

On Wednesday, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali urged drivers to “be respectful” of the sport, naming outspoken four-time champion Max Verstappen. He also acknowledged that this year’s new power unit regulations require changes.

 

Verstappen has been the most critical driver of the new hybrid engine rules. Electric power management issues have caused problems for drivers across the first three races of the season.

Verstappen labeled the new racing style “a joke” after the Chinese Grand Prix. He’s also hinted at taking a break from F1 in 2027 if the rules don’t change 

  

“We’ve spoken many times since the start,” Domenicali told Autosport.

“I understand his (Verstappen's) comments and he understands the bigger picture. I don't want to fall in to the trap of trying to create antagonism because that's not me.

“We're going to be together. He is the best driver, he is a multiple world champion and of course his voice has to be listened to.

“But he knows that his voice has a weight. And he needs to respect that weight (as) sometimes some people can take it the wrong way and this is something we shouldn't allow to happen.”

  

He also urged every driver to “protect the jewel” of motorsport.

“What I said to them is: 'Listen, guys, don't forget that what we are doing is because we did the right things together. So be respectful of a sport that gave to all of us an incredible opportunity to grow, to make a lot of money, to develop a personality in the world that other sports cannot give'.

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“I think that has been acknowledged.

“We musn't forget this is the jewel of our sport and we need to protect that jewel.”

 

Pushing for a Fix

Domenicali added that discussions between the FIA, teams, and drivers to solve the current issues are “moving in the right direction.”

“There are meetings this week and next week before the Miami Grand Prix to see what can be done to improve or adjust the situation.”

 

The FIA is set to announce changes next week. Domenicali hopes the updates will “let drivers run at full power or full braking as much as possible” during races, addressing ongoing safety concerns.

  

These new hybrid engines, split 50/50 between internal combustion and electric power, were designed to promote overtaking and deliver more exciting races for hundreds of millions of fans worldwide.

“The outcome is magnificent... There's a lot of action, and that's what people want to see,” said Domenicali.

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But a crash at Suzuka last month revived criticism in the paddock. Haas driver Oliver Bearman hit Franco Colapinto’s Alpine at 300 km/h while Colapinto was running 50 km/h slower. The incident renewed concerns about huge speed gaps between cars and the complex management of electric energy.

“The regulations obviously need to be improved,” said Domenicali.

After three races, the season was halted because of the war in Iran and Lebanon. That conflict caused both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix to be cancelled this month.

The championship returns in Miami on May 3rd.