Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says he has already had very good talks with Max Verstappen about the F1 regulations for 2026. The Dutchman has been very outspoken in recent months about the renewed focus on energy management. ‘Formula E on steroids’ and ‘Mario Kart’ were his most well-known criticisms. Domenicali assures that he values the opinions of drivers, although he also calls on them to continue respecting the sport.
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“I think we have spoken to Max (Verstappen, ed.) very often since the new regulations came into effect,” Domenicali revealed in an interview with the British Autosport. “It should be clear that I understand his comments, but also that he sees the bigger picture. He was involved today in a meeting where he gladly shared his suggestions. I also do not want to create a hostile atmosphere,” assured the Italian, who clearly wants to keep Verstappen on his side. “That’s not like me and that’s not how we want to see it. We just keep working well together.”
Domenicali did note that Verstappen must be careful with criticism. “He is the best driver, a multiple world champion,” he continued. “Of course his feedback is appreciated. At the same time, he also knows that his voice carries weight. He must respect that weight; there is a danger that people might misinterpret him.” During the last race weekend in Japan, Verstappen even went so far as to openly doubt his F1 future. He has also been increasingly active in the GT3 class this year. Domenicali warned that the four-time world champion might regret it if he definitively switches from Formula 1 to another racing class. “In Italy we say the grass is always greener on the other side, but sometimes, once you are there, you think: ‘Oh dear, that’s not true.’”
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Opinion of drivers
“I have a lot of respect for what we have achieved together,” Domenicali continued. “That is why I also listen carefully and am open to all suggestions made. I refuse to censor, as some might do.” However, several drivers feel that the driver field has no voice in regulatory decisions. “The drivers have no say,” sighed Lewis Hamilton in Suzuka. Domenicali disagrees. “My conversations with them are absolutely open and they know that I value their opinion; I want them to be involved.”
“But of course sometimes you also have to follow a certain strategy,” he added. “If you talk to the top drivers, they are always very happy because they win. The others can be frustrated, also because they prefer a different way of racing, and I respect that enormously.” On the other hand, Domenicali has made it clear to the drivers that they must continue to respect the sport. “I said: ‘Be respectful of the sport that has given us all the chance to grow, earn a lot of money, and build a fame that you could never have achieved in other sports – no matter how fun they may be.’ I think they all understood that well.”
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