F1 Boss Assures Verstappen Loyalty Amidst Rule Backlash

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is confident that Max Verstappen will remain in the sport, dismissing concerns that the driver might leave due to controversial new regulations for 2026. Domenicali stated he had a constructive meeting with Verstappen, assuring that the driver cares deeply about Formula 1 and expresses his views in a unique way.

The sport's upcoming cars, featuring a hybrid power unit with a near 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric power, have already drawn criticism from prominent drivers. Max Verstappen described them as "anti-racing" and similar to "Formula E on steroids," while others, like Lewis Hamilton, noted the complexity required to understand their operation.

Domenicali urged fans to "stay calm," drawing parallels to past regulatory changes in 2014, 2020, and 2021, where initial anxieties eventually gave way to successful technical solutions. He highlighted that initial driver comments during testing have already shown signs of evolution, predicting a different picture of feedback by mid-year.

Formula 1 and the FIA are engaged in ongoing discussions with manufacturers regarding potential adjustments to the cars early in the season to alleviate fears about racing quality. Domenicali expressed optimism, emphasizing that Formula 1's inherent engineering prowess has historically led to rapid progress and enhanced performance.