F1 chief confident Verstappen won't quit over 2026 rules

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has expressed confidence that reigning champion Max Verstappen will not leave the sport, despite the driver's public skepticism about the upcoming 2026 regulations. Following a private meeting during pre-season testing in Bahrain, Domenicali emphasized that Verstappen is deeply invested in F1's future and that his critical comments are part of a constructive dialogue aimed at preserving the sport's core driving experience.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's potential early exit would be a seismic blow to Formula 1, removing its dominant star and most compelling figure. His vocal concerns about the 2026 cars being "Formula E on steroids" highlight a critical tension between the sport's push for sustainability and the need to maintain the high-performance, driver-centric spectacle that attracts fans. How F1's leadership navigates this feedback from its top talent will significantly shape the next era of competition.

The details:

• Constructive Talks: Domenicali met with Verstappen in Bahrain, characterizing their discussion as "very constructive." He acknowledged the importance of listening to top drivers' feedback on the 2026 rules package.
• Interpreting the Comments: The F1 CEO downplayed alarm over Verstappen's remarks, stating the Dutchman has "a way of saying something that can be interpreted in a certain way." He guaranteed that Verstappen cares about F1 "more than anyone else."
• The Core Concern: The dialogue centers on ensuring the new, technologically advanced cars do not compromise the fundamental driving style and challenge. Domenicali acknowledged that evolving technology changes how cars are driven but sees this as a normal part of F1's progression.
• Dismissing Panic: Domenicali urged calm, comparing the current doubts to those surrounding previous major regulation changes in 2014, 2017, and 2021. He stated he is "not worried at all" and anticipates "incredible racing" from the new rules.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to formal discussions between the FIA, F1, and the teams to refine the 2026 regulations. Domenicali predicted Verstappen's perspective will evolve, suggesting "you will see different comments" by mid or end of the year as development progresses. With his contract running through 2028, Verstappen's commitment appears firm for now, but his continued satisfaction with the sport's direction remains a key storyline to watch as the 2026 framework is finalized.