F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expresses confidence Max Verstappen will stay in sport despite his criticism of 2026 car regulations

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali insists Max Verstappen will stay in Formula 1 despite criticism of 2026 cars, highlighting the champion's passion and competitive drive.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 23, 2026, 6:15 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from skysports.com.

Domenicali addresses speculation over Verstappen's future

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali directly confronted rumours that Max Verstappen could walk away from the sport, firmly asserting that he sees no realistic prospect of the Red Bull driver departing. Speaking to media ahead of the 2026 season, Domenicali described Verstappen as deeply committed to racing and unlikely to abandon a discipline he has excelled in since entering F1. The CEO's confidence stems from ongoing private conversations and his understanding of Verstappen's character as someone who thrives on competition.

Verstappen's criticism centres on 2026 car direction

Max Verstappen has publicly voiced concerns about aspects of the 2026 regulations, particularly the balance between power unit output, chassis design, and active aerodynamics, suggesting the cars might feel less engaging to drive compared to current machinery. According to Domenicali, these remarks reflect a driver's perspective on preserving the spectacle and challenge of Formula 1 rather than outright rejection of the sport itself. The CEO framed the feedback as valuable input from one of the grid's most successful competitors.

Passion for racing outweighs regulatory frustration

Domenicali emphasised Verstappen's longstanding love for motorsport, noting that the Dutchman's career trajectory shows resilience through periods of regulation upheaval and team challenges. He argued that Verstappen's competitive instinct and desire to win would keep him motivated even if the new cars initially fall short of expectations. The CEO suggested that any early dissatisfaction could fuel further improvement rather than prompt an exit.