Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has assured fans that Max Verstappen, the current world champion, will remain in the sport despite his vocal criticisms of the upcoming 2026 technical regulations. These new rules, which introduce significant changes to car design and power units, have sparked debate among drivers and enthusiasts ahead of the season’s start in Australia on March 8, 2026.
Drivers Express Strong Reservations About the New F1 Technical Era
The 2026 F1 season will see a major overhaul with cars powered roughly half by internal combustion engines and half by electric power, focusing heavily on energy recovery and battery management. Several leading drivers have publicly questioned the new approach, fearing it could detract from the traditional racing spectacle.
Max Verstappen, a three-time world champion, has been particularly candid, describing the redesigned cars as an “anti-racing” experience, drawing comparisons to the Formula E series but “on steroids.” Other top racers share similar apprehensions.
Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion, commented on the extended reliance on energy recovery, remarking that
Aston Martin’s chef could now drive without any problem.
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton also criticized the complexity of the technology, suggesting that mastering it would require a university degree.
Additional concerns focus on race dynamics, including overtaking difficulties caused by the new powertrains. The delayed acceleration of the turbo power units has reportedly led to trials of a prolonged race start procedure, meant to prevent cars from stalling on the grid at the beginning of events.
Domenicali Confirms Positive Talks with Verstappen and Trust in His Loyalty
Responding to mounting unease, Domenicali disclosed a recent meeting with Verstappen where they discussed these challenges openly. Speaking on February 27, 2026, the F1 chief emphasized his trust in Verstappen’s enduring passion for the sport and dismissed any rumors about the driver potentially leaving Formula 1.
“I met yesterday Max because as you know Max is incredible and he has a way of saying something that could be sometimes interpreted in a certain way,” Domenicali stated. “I guarantee to you that Max wants and does care about Formula 1 more than anyone else. He has a way of putting the point that he wants to say in a certain way. But we had a very constructive meeting and he will have a very constructive meeting also with the federation and the teams to highlight what are his point of view of what he believes needs to be done to keep the driving style at the centre, without changing let’s say the approach.”
Domenicali further highlighted his close relationship with Verstappen, which reinforces his confidence in the driver’s commitment to the sport.
Because I have a very good relation[ship] with Max. I know him very, very well. I spend a lot of time with him. That’s the reason. Full stop. And he loves Formula 1. There’s no doubt about it.
Active Discussions on Regulations and a Historical View on Change
The FIA and F1 management are engaged in ongoing discussions with car manufacturers to consider potential adjustments during the early part of the season. These conversations aim to ensure that racing quality is preserved despite the technical shifts.
Domenicali remains calm in the face of criticism, recalling similar reactions during previous changes in the sport.
I don’t feel this anxiety, we need to stay calm because as always when there is something happening as a new regulation there’s always the [feeling] that everything is wrong,
he said.
I remember [the same] in 2014, I remember in 2020, I remember in 2021.
He expressed optimism about Formula 1’s ability to innovate and improve, anticipating that initial negative feedback will soften as teams and drivers adapt.
As always, F1 as a system has always been proving that the technical solution have always helped the team to be fast and the drivers to be the best so I’m totally positive for that.
I’m pretty sure that when we’re going to sit down together middle of the year or at the end of the year, you will see a different picture of comments, a different picture of points that we need to debate because that’s normal in Formula 1.
The upcoming Australian Grand Prix will mark the commencement of this new era, setting the stage for how the sport and its leading figures, including Max Verstappen, will navigate these transformative changes.
