Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali cautioned Max Verstappen over his vocal criticism of 2026 cars and regulations, as the sport investigates changes ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.
Debate over the new 2026 regulations continues to rage on and off the track, with drivers and fans alike divided over their impact on the racing spectacle.
From 55km/h closing speed differences leading to a crash in Japan for Oliver Bearman, to excessive battery management leading to accidental overtaking, changes are already in the pipeline.
The FIA has begun a series of high-level discussions with teams and engine manufacturers to address the most critical of the issues, with changes planned for Miami.
Domenicali, representing F1’s commercial arm, confirmed he has held talks with the drivers to garner their opinion, but gave them a warning that the sport must come above competitiveness qualms.
“My conversations with them are definitely very open and they know that I do care about their opinions. I want them to be involved,” Domenicali said in an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com.
“But of course, there is sometimes a sort of a gameplay that you have to have. If you speak to the drivers at the top, they are always very happy because they are winning. The others can be frustrated, also because they love a different way of racing, which I respect a lot.”
“What I said to them is: ‘Listen, guys, don’t forget that what we are doing is because we did the right things together. So be respectful of a sport that gave to all of us an incredible opportunity to grow, to have a lot of money, and to develop a personality in the world that in other sports you may love better, they cannot give it to you’,” he continued.
“I think that’s what I told them, and I think that has been acknowledged.”
Domenicali warns of the Max Verstappen effect
The most vocal critic remains Max Verstappen, the Dutchman who infamously labelled F1 as “Formula E on steroids” during winter testing.
Verstappen is heavily linked with departing F1 due to his dissatisfaction with the regulations, Domenicali revealing that he and the four-time world champion have been engaged in deep discussions since testing.
“I think that with Max, we have spoken many, many times since the beginning,” Domenicali revealed.
“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. So, you know, 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 that we want to see that.
Domenicali believes that Verstappen’s voice carries gravitas, with his opinions mattering and carrying significant weight beyond the F1 paddock, but warned the Dutchman to be mindful of his words.
“So we’re going to be together”, he said. He’s the best driver, he’s a World Champion, multiple World Champion, and of course, his voice has to be listened to.
“But of course, he knows that his voice also has a weight. And he needs to respect that weight [because] sometimes some people can take it the wrong way. And this is something that we should not allow to happen.””
Domenicali also warned drivers, believing better racing could be found elsewhere, that this would likely end with disappointment.
“I don’t know if there is the same way of saying it in UK, but in Italy people believe that the grass of the neighbour is greener,” he said.
“And sometimes when you go on the other side, they say, ’Oh, my God, it’s not true’.
“So respectful of what we have been able to achieve together, but also listening and being very, very open to any kind of remarks that we have done together. Without any kind of cap game that everyone is sometimes tempted to do.”
“I think that the racing is very, very good. And the more we talk together, the better it is for the sport. Because they are – and I say this because I’m old but I don’t forget what I’m saying – the jewel of our sport. So we need to protect that jewel of our sport, as well as they have to protect the ecosystem which they are in.”
Domencali is aware of the precarious position the sport currently finds itself in, as criticism of the regulations continues to grow.
His warning to Max Verstappen to be aware of the weight of his words highlights that the sport still has a way to go to fix its issues.
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