Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali has defended the sport’s recently introduced regulations amid criticism from drivers and some fans, asserting that the majority of the audience is responding positively to the changes. Domenicali emphasized that the new rules, which place increased focus on electrical energy management, have led to more on-track action and greater fan engagement.

The controversy arose after Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, criticized the rule changes during the Hungarian Grand Prix, accusing Formula One of prioritizing commercial interests to attract engine manufacturers, while sidelining the sport’s traditional appeal. Norris and other drivers have expressed skepticism about the technical demands introduced by the revised regulations, suggesting they detract from racing.

In response, Domenicali argued that many of the technical elements behind the new rules are too complex for most fans to follow or fully understand. He said that the majority of viewers are more interested in the racing experience itself rather than the intricacies of throttle angles or brake pressures. “There is a lot of action on the track, people are loving it,” Domenicali said. “For the vast majority of the people, trust me, they just want to see what is happening on the track.”

Formula One’s internal data reportedly supports this view, showing increased attendance at races and growth in global television audiences, although exact broadcast viewer numbers were not disclosed. Notably, the sport continues to evolve its fan demographics, with women now representing 42% of the global audience and making up three-quarters of new fans, while 43% of all viewers are under 35 years old.

Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions due to the war in the Middle East, Domenicali also confirmed that the sport’s season finale plans could change. The final two Grands Prix, scheduled to take place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, remain uncertain. He indicated that a decision on whether these races will proceed will be made by mid-September. Should the situation in the region not improve sufficiently, Formula One authorities plan to relocate the season finale to Europe, with Imola in Italy reportedly favored as an alternate venue.

Domenicali noted the organisation’s unwillingness to consider other locations beyond Europe for the end-of-season races if the Middle East remains unstable. He said, “If the situation will not be cleared the way that we believe it should be, we will take the decision... because we cannot go in other places.”