Ben Collins, a professional racing driver and former Stig from Top Gear, has publicly criticized Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali for his comparison of current energy management practices to those of the 1980s. Collins argued that the challenges faced by drivers today, under the new regulations that require them to manage both internal combustion engines and battery power, have created a racing environment that is 'incomparable to the tragedy unfolding.' The new rules, which necessitate drivers to lift off to conserve energy and strategically deploy electric power, have led to complaints from drivers about the artificial nature of overtakes, as they often depend on battery charge levels rather than pure racing skill. With only three races completed, teams such as Williams, Red Bull, and Aston Martin are struggling to adapt to the complexities of these regulations. Safety concerns have also been highlighted following a serious crash involving driver Ollie Bearman during the Japanese Grand Prix. Domenicali defended the new regulations, insisting that overtaking remains a valid part of racing, while Collins countered that the brutal nature of the 1980s F1 cars provided a more authentic racing spectacle.