Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali insists Max Verstappen “understands the bigger picture” surrounding the sport’s new era despite the Dutchman’s repeated criticism of this year’s 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 ‘lift-and-coast’ at the end of straights to harvest energy, while thrilling on-track battles have been labelled “artificial.”
Verstappen has labelled the new regulations as “anti-racing” and “like Formula E on steroids” – and F1 CEO Domenicali admitted that Verstappen’s 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.
“He [Max] is the best driver, he’s a world champion, multiple world champion, and his voice has to be listened to,” Domenicali told Autosport.
“With 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 don’t want to fall into the trap of trying to create an antagonism because that’s not me. It’s not the way we want to see that.
“He 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.”
While Verstappen has a £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.
“Privately, I’m very happy,” he said in Japan. “You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?
“I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am. Because I also know that you can’t be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time. I’m very realistic in that and I’ve been there before. I’ve not only been winning in F1.
“But at the same time when you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural to a racing driver. Of course, I try to adapt to it, but it’s not nice the way you have to race. It’s really anti-driving. Then at one point, yeah, it’s just not what I want to do.
“And of course you can look at it and make a lot of money. Great. But at the end of the day it’s not about money any more because this has always been my passion.”
