Max Verstappen has been openly critical in recent weeks about the new regulations in Formula 1. After the first test week in Bahrain he even warned that the new F1 era could slowly push him toward the exit. He has since softened his comments and reassured his fans that he’s not retiring anytime soon. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali — who spoke at length with Verstappen in Bahrain — confirms that the Red Bull driver will remain loyal to the sport for the time being.
It wasn’t only Max Verstappen who raised questions about the new regulations. Mixed messages coming out of the test days have also fuelled scepticism among fans. The FIA and the FOM are open to adjustments, but Domenicali stresses it’s still too early to draw hard conclusions. “As with any major rule change there is doubt whether everything will work out,” he told the media in Bahrain. “I can, however, assure you that there are open discussions within the F1 Commission to find solutions for the various teething problems. We’re only starting a new chapter, so I urge everyone to stay calm.”
Fans notice no difference
According to Domenicali, a new meeting of the F1 Commission is scheduled before the season opener in Melbourne. “The FIA and the teams are prepared to implement useful solutions immediately,” he promised. Based on the first test results in Bahrain, the Italian is furthermore convinced it will be an exciting season. “I don’t understand all the panic,” he added coolly. “The races promise to be incredible, with plenty of action. And if something doesn’t go to plan, we will sit down with all the responsible parties — including the FIA’s technical staff — to find a solution.”
“I want to stress to the fans that it will be a spectacular season,” he concluded. “I was just standing by the track to watch the cars from a fan’s perspective. I saw no difference from previous years, neither in speed nor in sound. Of course the hardened fan will notice nuances, but 99.9 percent of spectators won’t notice any meaningful difference. And again: if something needs to be corrected, we are willing to step in.”
‘Verstappen loves F1’
Verstappen has been outspoken in recent weeks about the new rules. He jokingly called the increased electrification “Formula E on steroids” and even suggested he might walk away if the sport continues down that path. Domenicali, however, stressed that he had held extensive conversations with several drivers during the test days and described those talks as “constructive.” “I’ve spoken with all the drivers,” he explained. “They understand that things are changing, but there’s also a strong willingness to provide constructive feedback.”
“I just came out of a meeting with Charles (Leclerc, ed.) and yesterday I sat for an hour with Max (Verstappen, ed.)”, he revealed. “Max’s comments are often misinterpreted, but I can assure you he loves Formula 1 more than anyone. We certainly take his viewpoints into account in meetings with the teams. Incidentally, his remarks on day one already differed from those on day three. I’m therefore convinced that when we sit down again mid-season or at the end of the year, he’ll present a more nuanced picture. I have a very good relationship with Max,” Domenicali concluded emphatically. “I know him well and spend a lot of time with him. He loves Formula 1, there’s no doubt about that.”
