F1 Boss Hopeful for Constructive Talks with Verstappen on Future Regulations

Stefano Domenicali says the sport is bigger than any one individual and hopes Verstappen will remain in F1 despite criticism of new rules.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:08am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented Formula 1 race scene, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives conveying the complex dynamics at play in the sport's regulatory future.Domenicali's call for constructive dialogue with Verstappen aims to reshape the future of Formula 1 through a collaborative, multi-faceted approach.Today in Miami

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has had 'constructive' talks with Max Verstappen about the sport's future direction, particularly the new 2026 technical regulations that the Red Bull driver has been highly critical of. Domenicali acknowledges Verstappen's opinions are valid, but stresses the need to consider the 'bigger picture' and 'starting point' behind the regulations. He hopes Verstappen will continue to contribute to the discussions in a constructive manner, as the sport is 'bigger than any one of us' and must balance the interests of its global fanbase.

Why it matters

Verstappen's criticism of the new F1 regulations has sparked debate within the sport and its fanbase. As one of the top drivers, his views carry significant weight, but Domenicali wants to ensure the discussions remain constructive and focused on the long-term interests of the sport as a whole rather than any individual's preferences.

The details

The introduction of the all-new 2026 technical regulations has led to some criticism from drivers, particularly Verstappen, who has described the cars as 'Formula E on steroids'. Verstappen has been outspoken about his dislike for the new rules, which emphasize electrical energy management over pure performance. Domenicali acknowledges Verstappen's opinions are valid, but believes it's important to consider the 'bigger picture' and 'starting point' behind the regulations, which were influenced by the automotive industry's shift towards electrification.

  • In 2023, Verstappen warned against the direction of the new regulations after his first simulator test.
  • Last year, Verstappen informed Red Bull internally that he did not want to test the 2026 car in the simulator for several weeks.
  • When the new cars appeared on track in Bahrain, Verstappen described them as 'Formula E on steroids'.

The players

Stefano Domenicali

The CEO and president of Formula 1, who has had 'constructive' talks with Max Verstappen about the future of the sport's regulations.

Max Verstappen

The four-time F1 world champion who has been highly critical of the new 2026 technical regulations, describing them as 'Formula E on steroids'.

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What they’re saying

“'You know me, I respect Max a lot. I speak with him a lot and of course he is quite opinionated in that respect.'”

— Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO

“'It's good that he's pushing for something. And we said that if there is a push for something, we can do it in the right way, in the right forum, because that's the nature of our sport. I will never be confrontational. It's not my style, and at the end of the day, it's not giving value to anyone.'”

— Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO

What’s next

On April 20, team principals will discuss potential adjustments to the 2026 regulations ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. Domenicali also expects the conversation to continue regarding more significant changes for the 2027 season.

The takeaway

Domenicali's comments highlight the need for constructive dialogue between F1 leadership and drivers like Verstappen, as the sport navigates the balance between appealing to its global fanbase and addressing the concerns of its most vocal participants. Maintaining an open and collaborative approach is crucial for ensuring the long-term success and relevance of Formula 1.