Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali says he is confident Max Verstappen will not leave the sport despite the four-time world champion having recently expressed concern over new regulations for the 2026 season.
During his media appearances at F1’s pre-season events, Verstappen said the new cars, which the sport’s bosses have attempted to make more sustainable, are like “Formula E on steroids”.
Verstappen had said last year that if he didn’t find the sport’s new cars “fun” to drive, he didn’t really see himself “hanging around”.
However, having held talks with Verstappen at Formula 1’s final pre-season test in Bahrain on Wednesday, Domenicali is confident the Red Bull driver will not be leaving the grid any time soon.
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Verstappen was one of the first drivers on track at last week’s opening test in Bahrain.
“I met with Max,” Domenicali said. “We know Max will be part of the future of Formula 1. It is very important 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 1 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 the 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 1.”
Having won four successive drivers’ titles from 2021-2024, Verstappen has established himself as the best driver on the current grid.
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Verstappen reflects on the Red Bull’s running during the first Bahrain pre-season test.
His future has been the topic of much speculation over the last couple of years, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff having tried hard to poach the Dutchman from rivals Red Bull.
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 1, there’s no doubt about it.”
The drastic nature of the regulation change for 2026, which sees the introduction of both new power units and chassis, has led to questions over whether racing could suffer.
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McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was left ‘stranded’ on the track before Lewis Hamilton once again aced the practice start in his Ferrari.
With the opening round at Melbourne’s Albert Park just a fortnight away, Domenicali said: “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 was in 2014, 2017 and 2021 – there is a doubt that everything is wrong. I am not worried at all.”
Sky Sports F1’s Bahrain Testing schedule
Friday February 20
Watch every race of the 2026 F1 season live on Sky Sports, starting with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
- 6.50am-11.05am: Morning session Live
- 11.55am-4.10pm: Afternoon session Live
- 8pm: Testing Wrap
