Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is convinced: “Nobody’s interested in that”

The new regulations, which have been in force in Formula 1 since this year, have increased the importance of electric power in the sport. Consequently, the battery charge level of each driver is crucial, and this was evident in the first few races. Recently, however, the relevant graphics have been missing, and this has annoyed some fans. Depending on the charge level, a driver may be able to fend off an attack or find themselves at the mercy of their opponent.

Critics of the new rules also complain that the significantly higher number of overtaking manoeuvres this year is often down to differences in battery charge levels. And that is why the action is seen as artificial. Some therefore suspect that Formula 1 officials are no longer displaying the different battery charge levels for this very reason.

When asked whether displaying such data would help fans understand the sport better, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali explained: “Nobody is interested in how you drive your car. People are interested in whether an overtaking manoeuvre takes place or not. That applies to the vast majority of viewers. It’s true that certain people focus on that sort of thing, and that’s very important too. It’s just like when the rear wing used to be lowered – people weren’t interested in why a manoeuvre was carried out.”

An interesting discussion with Star Wars director George Lucas

The Italian revealed that on Saturday in Hungary he’d had an incredibly interesting discussion on this subject with Star Wars creator and cult director George Lucas, who was visiting the paddock. “He was in Hungary and gave me an incredible insight into how to simplify things, because new fans don’t understand the reality behind the scenes. They’re fascinated because there’s so much action on offer.”

“There’s been a debate about this since the start; some are debating this year’s technical regulations, and I’d say that’s largely happening within the Formula 1 world – amongst some drivers and people who are part of our ecosystem. But the World Championship has become very fascinating. There’s so much going on out on the track, and people love it. They’re focused on what’s happening on the track. They don’t understand anything about superclipping and all those things – it’s too technical for the general public,” Domenicali is convinced.

Stefano Domenicali emphasises: The data is available

“Of course, there’s a need for those fans who focus on it to have the right information. But the vast majority of people just want to see what’s happening on the track – believe me. They’re not interested in the angle of the accelerator pedal, the brake pressure or how to overtake. People want to see spectacular manoeuvres, like Max Verstappen’s overtaking manoeuvre on Lewis Hamilton in the first corner at the Hungaroring. That’s directly linked to a driver’s skills,” the former Ferrari team principal went on to explain.

“Ultimately, this is a concept that shows the driver ways to maximise their car’s performance – whether it’s braking or acceleration, made possible by electrification. That’s how I see it. Of course, this data is relevant to a small proportion of our fans, and of course it is...