..

Stefano Domenicali set to grant Lewis Hamilton wish as F1 CEO considers revolutionary move

Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, appears to be moving toward fulfilling Lewis Hamilton’s request to explore alternatives that could help level the playing field among teams, rather than relying on a new set of technical regulations every five years.

Hamilton has been vocal about the need

to find solutions that ensure closer competition without the constant upheaval that comes with frequent regulatory changes.

In response, Domenicali is now considering extending the duration of the upcoming technical regulation cycle, set to begin in 2026.

This extension would go beyond the typical four-to-six-year period that has characterized previous regulatory cycles. The idea behind this consideration is rooted in the observation of recent trends within the sport, particularly during the current ground-effect era.

The ground-effect regulations, which were introduced in 2022, initially allowed Red Bull to establish a seemingly unbeatable lead over the competition. Their dominance throughout the 2023 season seemed to confirm this advantage. However, by the third year of these regulations, the competitive landscape has started to shift.

The field has begun to converge, with several teams now capable of challenging for victory on any given race weekend.

This newfound closeness in competition suggests that the stability of regulations over a longer period may allow teams to catch up to the frontrunners without the need for drastic changes.

This would contrast with the current approach, where teams often have to adapt to entirely new technical frameworks every few years, leading to significant disparities in performance during the initial stages of each new regulatory era.

Domenicali’s consideration of an extended regulatory period could mark a significant shift in how F1 approaches competition. By allowing teams more time to develop and optimize their cars within a stable set of rules, the sport might achieve a more sustainable level of competitive balance.

This approach could address Hamilton’s concerns and potentially lead to more exciting and unpredictable races, as more teams would have the opportunity to challenge for wins.

In summary, Stefano Domenicali is contemplating a revolutionary change in F1’s regulatory approach, potentially extending the technical regulation cycle that will begin in 2026. This move would align with Lewis Hamilton’s call for solutions that promote closer competition among teams, without the constant disruption of frequent rule changes. The success of this idea could be reflected in the recent convergence of the field during the ground-effect era, suggesting that longer periods of regulatory stability may lead to a more balanced and competitive sport.