Stefano Domenicali revealed that Max Verstappen was directly consulted about the regulatory changes planned for 2027 and that he contributed to this development.
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The head of Formula 1 is also confident about the presence of the four-time world champion on the grid when these changes come into effect.
This statement comes as Verstappen is going through a particularly difficult 2026 season.
Sound governance
Sixth in the championship and still without a win, the Dutchman has never hidden his reservations about the new generation of cars, especially the 50-50 split between electric power and the internal combustion engine.
To address some criticisms, F1 is now considering a 58-42 split in favor of the internal combustion engine from 2027, before moving to 60-40 in 2028. The first simulator tests seem encouraging: “The drivers who have already tried in the simulator the changes planned for next year say it is going in the right direction,” explains Domenicali. “We have also discussed this with Max.”
The Italian executive nevertheless reminds that F1 cannot change its regulations alone: “We must not forget that there is governance and that, to change the regulations, the teams and manufacturers must agree with the position of the FIA and ours [FOM].”
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Domenicali convinced that Verstappen will stay in F1
Verstappen’s participation in the discussions is all the more interesting as his future is the subject of much speculation. Between the difficulties of Red Bull and his dissatisfaction with certain features of the new cars, the hypothesis of a move to another team, or even an early retirement from F1, has been regularly mentioned.
Domenicali is however particularly optimistic: “I think Max would be very happy. He is in a situation where he loves Formula 1, he loves his future. We discuss together his future and the future regulations. I have an incredible relationship with him. “
The head of F1 acknowledges, however, that the final decision will obviously belong to the Red Bull driver: “Formula 1 is important enough for him to continue to be part of our sport, but of course, he will decide his future as he wishes and the discipline will continue to move forward. My opinion is that Max will stay with us. And I really hope so.”
Two weeks before the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen’s future therefore remains uncertain. But Domenicali’s remarks show that the Dutchman is actively involved in the reflections on the next evolution of the regulations and that the F1 leadership expects to see him remain in the discipline beyond 2026.
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