Max Verstappen’s future: What Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expects

Max Verstappen has already achieved in Formula 1 what remains a dream for many Grand Prix stars: he has been crowned world champion. The speedy Dutchman has done so four times already, and has crossed the finish line first in 71 Grand Prix races. In the paddock, experts, fellow drivers and rivals largely agree that, with the right equipment, he can still achieve many more successes.

However, the rule changes that affect driving – above all the regulations governing power units – are a thorn in the side of the Red Bull Racing star. And he has made that clear. The sport’s decision-makers have responded by deciding on a gradual shift in the power balance in favour of the internal combustion engine.

Everyone must agree

This is intended, not least, to prevent crowd favourite Verstappen from losing interest. The 28-year-old has emphasised on several occasions that he is considering leaving Formula 1 if nothing changes. However, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali does not expect this to happen. He says: “I think that during the simulator tests of the 2027 cars, the drivers realised that we are heading in the right direction. We’ve discussed this with Max as well. But we mustn’t forget that every rule change involves a process that must be followed, and that the adjustments must be endorsed by the FIA, the teams and the manufacturers.”

“We would have liked to push through some changes even more aggressively, but the teams must also agree to the proposals. And I think Max would have been happy with that. He’s an incredible driver, and I’ve said many times before – and I’m happy to repeat it here – that he loves Formula 1 and I believe he also values the future we’re building together with these rules,” the Italian continued.

No muzzling of the drivers

He gets on very well with Verstappen, the former Ferrari team principal went on to insist. “And I believe that Formula 1 is very important to him. Of course, he can decide his own future, but I believe he’ll stay. I very much hope that’s how it turns out,” explained Domenicali, though he immediately made it clear: “The sport is bigger than any individual – bigger than Max, bigger than me and bigger than all of us.”

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However, the head of the premier class made it clear that they did not want to silence the drivers’ criticism: “We’re not here to hand out muzzles. The beauty of this sport is that everyone is entitled to their own opinion – but it remains just an opinion. I have the utmost respect for our drivers, and I always want to have constructive discussions with them. But everyone must also understand that we need to move forward together, and the fans must remain the top priority. Their wishes come first, even before mine. The drivers are entitled to their personal preferences, but I am responsible for doing what is best for Formula 1.”