Unhappy Verstappen ‘has to be listened to’ over new rules, says F1 chief Domenicali

Formula One must listen to Max Verstappen’s grievances about the sport’s new regulations and their impact on racing, according to F1’s chief Stefano Domenicali as key players hold meetings to consider adjusting the rules for the remainder of the season.

Verstappen has been outspoken in his dissatisfaction with the new formula and the key part energy management now plays in preventing being able to race flat-out. The four-time champion is not alone in his feelings with other drivers also critical of the deployment and recharging of electrical energy.

Verstappen, one of F1’s biggest stars, has been so disenchanted, however, that he has repeatedly suggested that he is considering his future in F1 and Domenicali confirmed he had been speaking to the Dutchman and other drivers to take on board their concerns.

‘I don’t want to fall into the trap of trying to create an antagonism [with drivers] because that’s not me. It’s not the way that we want to see that,’ says Stefano Domenicali . Photograph: Kym Illman/Getty Images

“He’s the best driver, he’s a world champion, multiple world champion, and of course, his voice has to be listened to,” Domenicali said of Verstappen in an interview with Autosport.

However, while the Italian conceded F1 was taking drivers’ opinions into consideration, he cautioned that repeated criticism was not good for the sport. “With Max, we have spoken many, many times since the beginning,” he said. “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, 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.

“He knows that his voice also has a weight and he needs to respect that weight. Sometimes, some people can take it the wrong way and this is something that we should not allow to happen.”

Talks on the regulations are taking place this month between the sport’s governing body, the FIA, the teams, power- unit manufacturers and the commercial rights holders, FOM. Technical and sporting considerations from the opening three rounds and potential changes were discussed last Thursday with another technical meeting set for Thursday.

This will be followed by a further meeting on 20 April for the senior representatives, including team principals and their CEOs, the power-unit manufacturers and Domenicali. There changes to the regulations will be decided, subject to ratification by the world motorsport council. It is expected this will be in time for the next round in Miami on 3 May.

There will be no adjustment to the engines but it is expected the changes will focus on the parameters of energy recovery and deployment. These can be adjusted to influence the impact of energy management in racing and safety. The latter was brought sharply into focus after Oliver Bearman suffered a huge accident at Suzuka because of the differing closing speeds of cars managing electrical energy in different modes at the same point on track.