F1 boss sheds light on talks with Max Verstappen after rule criticism

Formula 1 CEO and president Stefano Domenciali says he has had “very open” and constructive conversations with Max Verstappen about the 2026 rules.

Four-time world champion Verstappen has been the most vocal critic of F1’s biggest-ever rule change that has seen a move to hybrid engines featuring a greater emphasis on energy harvesting and battery-boosted electrical power deployment.

Verstappen has likened F1’s 2026 cars to “Mario Kart on steroids” and branded the new regulations “anti-racing”. Following the Japanese Grand Prix, the 28-year-old Dutchman sensationally threatened to walk away at the end of the season due to his dissatisfaction over the rules.

Domenicali revealed he has held further talks with Verstappen since his bombshell quit threat, adding the Red Bull driver has been willing to offer suggestions to improve the rules.

“I think that with Max, we have spoken many, many times since the beginning,” Domenicali told Motorsport.com.

“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, you know, 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.

“So we're going to be together. He's the best driver, he's a world champion, multiple world champion, and of course, his voice has to be listened to. But of course, he knows that his voice also has a weight. And he needs to respect that weight [because] sometimes some people can take it the wrong way. And this is something that we should not allow to happen.”

But Domenicali warned Verstappen, who is increasing his participation in GT racing amid his ongoing frustrations with F1, that the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere.

“I don't know if there is the same way of saying it in UK, but in Italy people believe that the grass of the neighbour is greener, and sometimes when you go on the other side, they say, ’Oh, my God, it's not true’,” Domenicali said.

“So respectful of what we have been able to achieve together, but also listening and being very, very open to any kind of remarks that we have done together. Without any kind of cap game that everyone is sometimes tempted to do.”

F1 and governing body the FIA are holding a series of key meetings throughout April to discuss how to improve the rules with tweaks for the rest of the 2026 season.

“My conversations with them are definitely very open and they know that I do care about their opinions. I want them to be involved,” Domenicali said of his discussions with F1’s drivers.

“But of course, there is sometimes a sort of a gameplay that you have to have. If you speak to the drivers at the top, they are always very happy because they are winning. The others can be frustrated, also because they love a different way of racing, which I respect a lot.”

“What I said to them is: ‘Listen, guys, don't forget that what we are doing is because we did the right things together. So be respectful of a sport that gave to all of us an incredible opportunity to grow, to have a lot of money, and to develop a personality in the world that in other sports you may love better, they cannot give it to you’.

“I think that's what I told them, and I think that has been acknowledged.”