The position of Formula One Management and Liberty Media is very clear today: there is no objective justification to deeply disrupt Formula 1 version 2026.
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Despite recurring criticisms about energy management or the “less pure” feeling of driving, key indicators show a trend opposite to that of a crisis.
Modern F1 operates on an extremely data-driven logic (data tracking). Everything is measured: attendance, TV audiences, digital engagement. And on these three axes, the numbers are rising.
Rising popularity
The first three races of 2026 recorded a notable increase in attendance, especially in Australia and Japan, while TV audiences jumped in the main markets, with significant increases exceeding 30%. For FOM, these data are more valuable than subjective perceptions, even widely shared on social networks.
This reveals an essential point: there is a gap between the feeling of a part of the “expert” or vocal public and the overall behavior of the audience. Some regret a more instinctive F1, where the driver was constantly attacking, while the new rules introduce a more marked strategic dimension around energy.
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But for the average spectator, the product remains attractive: visible overtakes, on-track battles, and a less fixed hierarchy than in some eras, especially compared to the years of overwhelming domination by a single driver like Max Verstappen in the recent period
Marginal adjustments
In this context, FOM’s logic is rational: as long as growth indicators are positive, a radical reform would be not only unnecessary but potentially risky. However, this does not mean an absence of adjustments. Targeted corrections — notably on qualifying phases to allow drivers to push more — are already under discussion. The goal is to refine the product without changing its fundamental architecture.
Finally, a structural bias must be taken into account: the most visible criticisms are often amplified by very active channels (podcasts, social networks), giving the impression of a widespread rejection. Yet, the overall data contradict this perception. For decision-makers, the priority remains stability and progressive optimization, rather than a step backward or a complete overhaul.
In summary, F1 2026 is not considered a problem to be fixed, but a performing product to be refined: a fundamental difference that explains the absence of drastic measures in the short term.