Domenicali Confident Verstappen Will Not Leave Formula One
LONDON, Feb 20 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali said he is confident Max Verstappen will not walk away from the sport after he blasted the new era of cars as “Formula E on steroids,” reported PA Media/dpa.
Following a major overhaul of F1’s regulations, which has placed greater emphasis on energy management to ensure battery power remains sufficient, Verstappen also said the cars were no longer “a lot of fun” to drive and “not-very Formula One-like”.
In an interview with the Press Association last November, Verstappen, 28, said his future in F1 hinged on the 2026 regulations.
The four-time world champion, whose Red Bull contract runs for another two years, said: “If they are not fun, I don’t really see myself hanging around.”
However, in response to Verstappen’s criticism, Domenicali said, “I met with Max yesterday.”
“We know Max will be part of the future of Formula One. It is very important that we listen to him, as we do with all of the top drivers.”
“He has a way of saying something that can be interpreted in a certain way. But I can guarantee to you that Max wants and does care about Formula One more than anyone else.”
“I had a very constructive meeting with him, and we will have a very constructive meeting with the FIA and with the teams to highlight the point of view as to what he believes needs to be done, which is to keep the driving style at the centre without changing the approach.”
The evolution behind the technology of the car requires a different way of driving cars. That has happened in the past, and it will happen in the future, too. I am pretty sure when we sit down in the middle of the year or the end of the year, you will see different comments. This is normal in Formula One.”
Pressed on how he can be certain Verstappen will not retire, Domenicali added: “Because I have a very good relationship with Max.”
“I know him very, very well. I spend a lot of time with him. That is the reason, full stop. And he loves Formula One, there’s no doubt about it.”
Speaking on the penultimate day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, world champion Lando Norris said he “agrees with Max on a lot of comments”.
But with the opening round at Melbourne’s Albert Park just a fortnight away, Domenicali added: “I don’t understand the panic that is going around.”
“There will be incredible racing, a lot of action, and that is the most important thing. We need to stay calm because, as always when there are new regulations – as there were in 2014, 2017 and 2021 – there is a doubt that everything is wrong. I am not worried at all.”
--BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa
