F1 president blasts ‘fake overtaking’ claims: ‘People have short memories
Formula 1 has found itself at the center of a heated debate just a few races into its new regulatory era—and now, the sport’s top boss is pushing back hard.
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F1 president blasts ‘fake overtaking’ claims: ‘People have short …
Stefano Domenicali, the president and CEO of Formula 1, has publicly dismissed growing criticism that the sport’s new overtaking system feels “fake” or overly artificial. His message was blunt: fans and critics alike need to remember the past before judging the present.
A new era, a familiar controversy
The 2026 season introduced one of the most radical rule changes in modern F1 history. With revamped power units, heavier reliance on electrical energy, and a new “overtake mode,” drivers now have access to controlled bursts of power when chasing cars ahead. �
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The result? More overtakes—but also more debate.
Some drivers and analysts argue that many of these passes are no longer purely based on driver skill, but instead dictated by energy deployment systems. Even moments involving top names like Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton have raised eyebrows, with drivers admitting that the system can sometimes “force” overtaking scenarios. �
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Domenicali fires back
Domenicali, however, isn’t buying the criticism.
Speaking amid the growing backlash, he challenged the very idea that overtaking can be labeled as artificial.
“What is artificial? An overtake is an overtake.”
He went further, arguing that complaints about modern F1 often ignore the sport’s own history.
According to Domenicali, eras like the turbocharged 1980s also relied heavily on energy management, fuel saving, and strategic compromises—hardly the “pure racing” some fans claim to miss today. �
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His key point: Formula 1 has never been purely about raw wheel-to-wheel combat. Technology, strategy, and limitations have always shaped how races unfold.
Critics aren’t convinced
Despite the defense, criticism continues to build.
Former drivers and analysts have voiced concerns that the current system reduces the role of driver skill. Ralf Schumacher recently described the racing as “too artificial,” suggesting the balance between entertainment and authenticity is off. �
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Early race data appears to support both sides of the argument. On one hand, overtakes have significantly increased compared to previous seasons. On the other, many of those moves are being described as predictable or mechanically assisted rather than earned through racecraft. ďż˝
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Some critics have even compared the system to a “boost button” effect—exciting to watch, but potentially undermining what makes Formula 1 unique.
The bigger picture for F1
Domenicali’s stance reflects a broader philosophy within Formula 1’s leadership: evolution is necessary to keep the sport competitive, entertaining, and commercially strong.
He has pointed to growing fan engagement, rising viewership, and strong commercial performance as evidence that the new direction is working—even if purists disagree. �
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Still, the governing body, the FĂ©dĂ©ration Internationale de l’Automobile, is already reviewing the early impact of the regulations. Discussions are ongoing about potential tweaks, with deadlines set ahead of upcoming races like the Miami Grand Prix. ďż˝
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A defining moment for modern F1
This controversy highlights a deeper question facing Formula 1: what should racing look like in the modern era?
Is more overtaking always better—even if it’s assisted? Or should the sport prioritize driver skill above all else, even at the cost of spectacle?
For now, Domenicali is standing firm. In his view, the outrage says more about nostalgia than reality.
But with drivers, fans, and insiders still divided, one thing is clear: the battle over F1’s identity in 2026 is just getting started.