Max Verstappen ‘understands bigger picture’ over 2026 rules, insists F1 chief
The Red Bull driver has voiced his dissatisfaction with this year’s new regulations and says he is considering retiring from F1
Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali insists Max Verstappen “understands the bigger picture” surrounding the sport’s new era despite the Dutchman’s repeated criticism of this year’s regulations. Four-time world champion Verstappen said after the last race in Japan that he is considering quitting F1 at the end of the season, such is his dissatisfaction with new engine and chassis regulations, which have changed the nature of qualifying and racing. The impact of the new power unit, which sees an almost 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, has divided opinion.
Drivers are inconveniently having to ‘lift-and-coast’ at the end of straights to harvest energy, while thrilling on-track battles have been labelled “artificial. ” Verstappen has labelled the new regulations as “anti-racing” and “like Formula E on steroids” – and F1 CEO Domenicali admitted that Verstappen’s voice does need to be considered in talks. Meetings are taking place ahead of the next race in Miami on 3 May to discuss alterations to the rulebook.
“He [Max] is the best driver, he’s a world champion, multiple world champion, and his voice has to be listened to,” Domenicali told Autosport. “With Max, we have spoken many, many times. So we understand that I understand his comments and he understands the bigger picture.
Even today, he has been in a meeting where he was very keen to give suggestions. I don’t want to fall into the trap of trying to create an antagonism because that’s not me. It’s not the way we want to see that.