Domenicali Says Fans Embrace F1 2026, Backed by Poll Numbers

Stefano Domenicali, F1’s chief executive, insists the sport is “in great shape” and that most fans back the 2026 rule package. He points to the official Fan Voice polls—about 2,000 responses per race—as proof. The first three Grands Prix show a rise in ‘good’ and ‘excellent’ ratings despite vocal criticism online.

Why it matters:

• Fan sentiment underpins sponsor deals, ticket demand and new‑race contracts, all vital for the sport’s revenue.
• Reliable polling gives F1 a quick gauge of rule acceptance, allowing tweaks before costly technical overhauls. The sport’s business model relies on a clear read on fan enthusiasm.

By the numbers:

Here’s what the Fan Voice scores look like for the opening three rounds:

• Australia: Excellent 20% (‑29), Good 41% (+4) → 61% “good/excellent”; Poor/Awful jumped to 17% (outlier wet race last year).
• China: Excellent 27% (+16), Good 41% (+2) → 68% positive, Poor/Awful stable at ~14%.
• Japan: Excellent 12% (+8), Good 36% (+22) → 48% positive, Poor/Awful fell to 24% from 52%.

What's next:

• Domenicali will keep tracking Fan Voice data as the 2026 calendar expands, using trends to guide rule refinements.
• New venues like Miami will test the package’s appeal, while technical debates stay behind the scenes as commercial growth stays the priority. He stresses that fan‑driven growth, not technical minutiae, will guide F1’s future.