Stefano Domenicali has delivered a firm response to critics of Formula 1’s new technical regulations, which have come under scrutiny after the opening three races of the 2026 season.

The new power units use a 50-50 split between the internal combustion engine and electrical power, with the upgraded hybrid systems delivering up to 350kW. However, the first events of the year exposed several concerns.

In both Australia and Japan, drivers were unable to complete qualifying laps without lift and coast phases or so-called “super-clipping”, where the throttle remains fully open but the car slows down as energy deployment ends and the battery begins to recharge.

Combined with what some drivers described as “Mario Kart” style racing, it led to a series of meetings during the April break involving Formula 1, the FIA and the teams to discuss possible improvements.

Domenicali, though, believes the criticism has been exaggerated and rejected claims that the racing is somehow fake.

“Overtaking some people are saying is artificial, what is artificial?” Domenicali said to Autosport.

“I mean, overtaking is overtaking, and people have a short memory, because in the turbo age in the 1980s, I was already following F1 and the lift and coast and using different turbos and different speeds. You have to manage because otherwise the fuel tank was too small. Maybe some of the old people are criticising or have some comments have a short memory, because back in the 80s, at the turbo time, these things were there,” the F1 CEO added.