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Max Verstappen āunderstands bigger pictureā over 2026 rules, insists F1 chief
TL;DR
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali states that Max Verstappen understands the broader implications of the new 2026 regulations, despite his criticisms. Verstappen has expressed dissatisfaction with the changes, which he feels negatively impact racing dynamics.
Key points
- Stefano Domenicali says Verstappen understands the bigger picture
- Verstappen criticizes new regulations as anti-racing
- New power unit has a 50/50 split between combustion and electric power
- Drivers must lift-and-coast, affecting racing dynamics
- Meetings are planned to discuss rule changes before Miami race
Mentioned in this story
Max VerstappenStefano DomenicaliFormula 1
Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali insists Max Verstappen āunderstands the bigger pictureā surrounding the sportās new era despite the Dutchmanās repeated criticism of this yearās 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 ālift-and-coastā at the end of straights to harvest energy, while thrilling on-track battles have been labelled āartificial.ā
Verstappen has labelled the new regulations as āanti-racingā and ālike Formula E on steroidsā ā and F1 CEO Domenicali admitted that Verstappenās 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.
āHe [Max] is the best driver, heās a world champion, multiple world champion, and his voice has to be listened to,ā Domenicali told Autosport.
āWith 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 donāt want to fall into the trap of trying to create an antagonism because thatās not me. Itās not the way we want to see that.
āHe knows his voice has a weight and he needs to respect that weight. Sometimes, some people can take it the wrong way and this is something we should not allow to happen.ā
While Verstappen has a Ā£50m-a-year contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, it is understood the 28-year-old could negotiate an early exit from his deal if he is not in the top two in the world championship by the summer break. Currently, he is ninth in the standings, 51 points off second-placed George Russell.
Q&A
What are Max Verstappen's criticisms of the new F1 regulations?
Max Verstappen criticizes the new regulations for being 'anti-racing' and likens them to 'Formula E on steroids,' expressing dissatisfaction with the changes in engine and chassis design.
How do the new 2026 F1 regulations affect racing dynamics?
The new regulations create an almost 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, leading to drivers needing to 'lift-and-coast' at the end of straights, which some believe makes racing less exciting.
What is the significance of Max Verstappen's opinion on F1 regulations?
As a multiple world champion and top driver, Verstappen's opinions carry weight in discussions about F1 regulations, prompting the F1 leadership to consider his feedback seriously.
When is the next meeting to discuss F1 regulations changes?
Meetings to discuss potential alterations to the F1 rulebook are scheduled ahead of the next race in Miami on May 3.
