In a recent critique, Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Management (FOM), expressed his dissatisfaction with the complexity of the current Formula One regulations. Domenicali, who oversees the commercial aspects of the sport under Liberty Media, called for simpler regulations that would be easier for viewers to understand.

This appears to be a veiled criticism of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Formula One’s governing body, led by president Mohammed ben Sulayem. The two organisations have been at odds over a number of issues in recent years, making Domenicali’s comments particularly pointed.

 

 

Call for simpler rules

“The rules are generally too complicated,” Domenicali said, stressing the need for regulations that make it easier for fans to follow the action. The Formula One Commission, tasked with overseeing these changes, will propose new guidelines aimed at simplifying the sport for television viewers.

This is not limited to just one area, but covers several aspects, including the often misunderstood penalty system.

According to Domenicali, even the teams are struggling with the current rules.

“Can you imagine what this means for the spectators?” he asked.

“In my role, I have to look at the sport through the eyes of the spectators. They are our customers.”

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The complexity of current regulations

Domenicali pointed out that the current regulations are overly detailed, leading to confusion and a disconnect with the public. This issue was highlighted during the recent Monaco Grand Prix, where the race was criticised for its lack of excitement.

For the first time in F1 history, the top ten drivers finished in exactly the same positions as they started, with little action on the track.

The Monaco GP, traditionally known for its glamour and challenge, turned into a procession due to the lack of overtaking opportunities. The only potential for strategic variation, pit stops, was neutralised when the entire field pitted under a red flag after the first lap.

“We can’t let this happen again,” said Domenicali.

“We need to be better at anticipating such scenarios and counteracting them with the rules.”

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The burden of heavy regulation

One of Domenicali’s main criticisms is the sheer volume of current regulation.

“Look at the size of the individual regulations. They are thick tomes,” he remarked, recalling the simpler rulebook of his days as team principal at Ferrari.

“How beautifully thin the book was when I had to work with it.”

That complexity is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, detailed rules ensure fairness and comprehensive governance. On the other, they risk alienating fans who find the sport increasingly difficult to follow.

“If you get too caught up in the details, you quickly lose sight of the bigger picture,” Domenicali warned.

 

 

 

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A historical perspective

The tension between the FOM and the FIA is nothing new. In the past, F1’s commercial and regulatory bodies have clashed over the direction and governance of the sport. Under Liberty Media’s ownership, FOM has focused on expanding the sport’s global reach and improving fan engagement, often at odds with the FIA’s conservative and regulatory approach.

Mohammed ben Sulayem’s tenure as FIA president has been marked by efforts to maintain strict regulatory control, at times causing friction with FOM’s commercial ambitions. Domenicali’s recent comments can be seen as part of this ongoing struggle, highlighting the need to balance comprehensive regulation with fan accessibility.

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A new era of cooperation?

In May 2024, there were signs that peace might be breaking out between Formula One’s governing bodies. Since Mohammed ben Sulayem took over from Jean Todt as FIA president in late 2021, he had been at odds with his counterparts at Liberty Media and Formula One Management, as well as many of the ten teams.

In the face of criticism, scandal and power plays designed to destabilise him, Ben Sulayem has managed to weather the storm.

Several letters of support for Ben Sulayem from voting FIA members were published on the Paris-based governing body’s website in the weeks leading up to May. The latest letter, signed by members from the Asia-Pacific region, expressed deep concern at the latest allegations of wrongdoing against Ben Sulayem.

As negotiations on the Concorde Agreement heated up ahead of its expiry next year, Formula One and the FIA issued a joint statement expressing their desire for peace. The statement underlined their commitment to achieving the best outcome for the sport, with both parties developing a new strategic plan to seize opportunities and further enhance the potential of Formula One.

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Moving forward

The joint statement was seen as a clear sign that F1 and the FIA were moving on from their conflicts. Salvo Sardina of La Gazzetta dello Sport noted that the statement seemed to clear the air on various controversies between the two bodies. Ben Sulayem also mentioned that his relationship with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali had never been better.

Continuing the power struggle between the FIA and Liberty Media could have proved counterproductive in the long run. The Formula One Commission’s forthcoming proposals will be closely watched as an indicator of how the sport will address these criticisms.

Simplifying the rules without compromising the integrity and fairness of competition is a challenging task. However, Domenicali’s call for change underlines the urgent need to make the sport more appealing and understandable to its global audience. It will surely be a salvo that will test any form of FIA / FOM future cooperation.

As Formula One continues to grow and evolve, finding this balance will be crucial. The dialogue between the FOM and the FIA will play an important role in shaping the future of the sport and ensuring that it remains both exciting and accessible to fans around the world.

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MORE F1 NEWS: Russell on notice as Mercedes finds fatal flaw

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton had their best outings of the year last time out in Montreal. Mercedes scored their first podium of the year in round nine with George Russell overtaking his team mate in the closing stages of the race to clinch the final step on the podium.

With Ferrari and Sergio Perez failing to score at all, the Mercedes result looked as though the team had turned a corner, yet their drivers were not so positive after the chequered flag fell in Canada.

“It felt like a missed opportunity, to be honest,” said Russell after the race having claimed pole position. “We [made] made a couple of mistakes out there, just pushing the limits, and paid the price for it. It was just one too many mistakes at key moments that cost us a shot of fighting with these two towards the end of the race.” READ MORE ON THIS ARTICLE