Why Domenicali Is Confident Fans Truly Enjoy Formula 1 in 2026
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali remains optimistic about the sport's popularity in 2026 despite criticism. Viewership is rising, grandstands are sold out, and new countries are eager to host Grands Prix.
Why is Domenicali confident that fans truly enjoy Formula 1 in 2026? Despite a wave of criticism on social media and complaints from some drivers about the new regulations, the CEO of Formula 1 remains steadfastly optimistic. He asserts that Formula 1 is currently in great shape, and the majority of fans are quite satisfied with what they see on the track.
Formula 1 regularly conducts surveys among its community after each race. The figures for 2026 show a positive trend. Viewing numbers have also increased; for example, television audiences in Australia have grown by 26%, in China by 32%, and in Japan by 19%.
Grandstands at races are sold out, social media followings are growing, and new countries are lining up to host Grands Prix. For Domenicali, this is the main business indicator that the sport is moving in the right direction.
Domenicali notes that management listens to well-founded criticism. However, he reminds that the vast majority of viewers do not understand and do not want to delve into megajoule limits or the nuances of MGU-K deployment. People want action on the track, competition, and a show—not engineering lectures.
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