Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has responded to hints by Max Verstappen to quit the sport over the new 2026 technical regulations.
Verstappen is one of the 2026 rules’ most vocal critics, infamously labelling them “Formula E on steroids” during pre-season testing.
The four-time world-champion is exploring life away from F1, most notably his exploits in GT3 and Endurance Racing.
His new ventures have fuelled speculation that Verstappen could leave the sport in the not too distant future, something Verstappen has hinted could be on the cards.
Domenicali has responded to Verstappen’s hints.
“It is natural that in a country that is 99% Max fans, [they are] the ones that are closer to him, which is absolutely understandable. But we are a worldwide sport; we have over 800 million fans,” Domenicali said to Autosport.
“And therefore, we need to remember that the dimension that we have is huge.
“That’s why I really want to say officially, please, don’t try to take any kind of negative confrontational approach, because it doesn’t help the sport.
“It doesn’t give any value for me. I mean, if people would love to see this kind of chitchat, this is what we don’t need, because it’s not good for the sport.
Domencali: “I really hope” Max Verstappen stays in F1
Domenicali confirms he hopes Verstappen will stay, praising its unique challenge.
“Max is a four-time world champion. He’s an incredible driver, one of the best for sure, maybe the best. I personally really hope that he can stay,” he said.
“I’m sure that, you know, the adrenaline you can find in Formula 1 is unique, and therefore I really hope that he will stay. But I cannot say more than that.
“And that’s why, as I said, try to be constructive, even if sometimes people in certain situations can be dragged into certain emotional dimensions, which are not the things that we need for our sport.”
Domenicali’s hopes that Verstappen will remain in F1 will centre on the rest of this season, and how the “enhancements” brought in for this weekend’s Miami GP affect the art and challenge of racing.
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