Stefano Domenicali explains the ‘tactical’ reason why some F1 drivers are already moaning about the 2026 regulations

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Formula 1 will take on all-new regulations for the 2026 season, which include both a new power unit and chassis for the first time.

Cars will adopt active aerodynamics in 2026 F1 regulations for a major shakeup in a bid to increase overtaking, while power units will be simplified and will have an override mode that can be activated by drivers.

The power units were designed to attract new manufacturers to F1 at a time when it is booming globally, taking advantage of the commercial reach and competitive reset that it could provide.

It goes hand in hand with the chassis, although there have been concerns previously of creating “technical Frankensteins” which could reach their top speed limits too easily and create dangerous scenarios for drivers on some of F1’s longest straights.

Much of the regulations have been finalised now that teams have been working on their cars since January, and speaking on The Race F1 podcast, CEO Stefano Domenicali believes drivers and teams are complaining for ‘tactical’ gains.

Stefano Domenicali thinks F1 drivers are moaning about 2026 cars for ‘tactical’ reasons

F1 drivers all reached a ‘very critical’ conclusion when they tested the new cars in their simulators for the first time, with Lance Stroll among those who were animated in a recent press conference.

Max Verstappen has also been critical previously, but Domenicali thinks this is being done to appease an agenda and attempt to get changes made that favour their teams.

When asked if he has any concerns after what other drivers have said, Domenicali responded: “I would say the answer is absolutely not, because we don’t have to forget that there are two approaches to new regulations.

“One is tactical; that a lot of teams and drivers are playing that game because they have some purpose, which is not really the reason that we believe is causing them to make such comments. The second is because it’s still an evolution path.

“I remember the real discussion that we had with the FIA and the teams and the drivers at the beginning of the year, already today is totally different. So, before even starting the new regulation, there is an evolution of the things that go in the right direction. And where at the beginning I was hearing, lift and cost, lift and cost, already today, this argumentation is almost fading away.”

Where does each F1 team stand for the 2026 season?

While it’s tough to know exactly where each team will sit in the competitive order, there have been a few rumours to suggest some order.

Mercedes is rumoured to have the quickest engine package for 2026, which might lead to a return to their domination pre-ground effect.

McLaren faces a dilemma whereby they want to maintain their advantage for 2025, but must shift focus to 2026 if they want to defend any chance of winning.

There are not a lot of expectations over Cadillac, considering they will be a customer team for the first couple of years, while Audi’s engine for 2026 is still behind rivals.