F1 champion rejects Domenicali’s stance on key 2026 regulation issue

In a recent interview, the F1 CEO claimed that drivers were already being asked to use lift-and-coast techniques back in the 1980s, one of the key concepts behind the new 2026 regulations and, more broadly, modern Formula 1. Speaking to Autosport, Mansell strongly disagreed with that interpretation.

The Briton explained that drivers in his era were not managing races in the same way seen today, arguing that what occasionally happened in the past was simply intelligent throttle management while slipstreaming another car or choosing not to attempt an overtake in order to save fuel, rather than the kind of sustained lift-and-coast driving now associated with modern Formula 1.

Mansell then shifted the focus onto modern-day overtaking, criticising what he sees as increasingly artificial racing under the current regulations. The Briton argued that many overtakes may appear spectacular on television at first glance, but are ultimately misleading because they are heavily influenced by computer-managed power deployment rather than purely by driver skill.

Speaking to The Race, the Italian also pushed back against claims that Formula 1 was attempting to hide the superclipping issue during Antonelli’s pole lap in Japan, after the broadcast cut away from the onboard footage from 130R onwards. The decision sparked frustration among fans, many of whom interpreted it as an effort to avoid further attention on a problem that had already become evident during the previous race weekend.

Domenicali, however, strongly rejected the idea that Formula 1 was trying to “protect” anything from viewers, insisting the championship has no interest in hiding aspects of the current package. The Italian defended the 2026 regulations and explained that what fans are currently seeing is exactly the product Formula 1 intends to present, while also dismissing the wave of negativity that has surrounded the new rules in recent weeks.

At the same time, the Formula 1 CEO acknowledged that the sport is continuing to closely monitor reactions from fans, teams and stakeholders. Domenicali stressed that listening to criticism remains an important part of the process, but made it clear that Formula 1 must separate constructive feedback from exaggerated 'conspiracy theories' surrounding the regulations.