Stefano Domenicali has been under fire for claiming that Formula 1 graphics are uninteresting to fans and that fans care only about seeing a lot of action, not the details.
In a recent press briefing, the Formula 1 CEO said he believes F1 fans do not want to know how on-track action happens. Domenicali said: “No one is interested in how you drive your car.”
His statements are a stark contrast to F1 fans’ criticism on social media after recent races. Many fans have noticed the lack of information offered when streaming F1 in 2026. Earlier in the season, the timing graphics lacked decimals, which fans quickly picked up on.
Then, across the Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps weekends, the data usually seen on the halo of the cars on screen showing the battery, speed, and braking information was not shown.
Removing the data means fans lack the information to fully understand each overtake and the cars’ behaviour.
Scott Pye: F1 CEO Domenicali is “insulting fans”
The battery information was shown again at the Hungarian GP. However, the lack of transparency regarding data has led fans to believe that F1 is not interested in showing information that is not complimentary.
The tracks that did not show data were those where drivers struggled more with battery issues and super-clipping. The Hungaroring does not have the same level of energy complications.
Speaking on what fans want to see, Domenicali continued on to say: “I had an interesting discussion with George Lucas in Hungary, and he was giving me an incredible view on how the new fans are watching F1.
“They are fascinated by the fact that there is a lot of action. [They are] not interested in the angle of throttle, or the percentage of brake pressure on how you can overtake a driver.”
After hearing the CEO’s comments, Red Bull Supercars driver Scott Pye said that Domenicali is “insulting fans”.
On the Apex Hunters Instagram account, Pye said: “Okay, and we know that Formula 1 just removed it because they think we’re too f****** stupid to realise the car’s decelerating halfway down the straight because they ran out of battery.”
The outspoken Red Bull driver went on to explain that Lucas does not know what the fans are interested in. He also mentioned that it is an “insult” to demean fans who want to see the data.
With the criticism of F1 graphics being strong this season, it will be interesting to see how F1 addresses it and if anything will change in the near future.
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