In a series of candid interviews following pre-season testing in Bahrain, Domenicali insisted he’s had direct, constructive talks with the Dutch superstar and is adamant: Verstappen isn’t going anywhere. “I met with Max,” the F1 president and CEO revealed. “We know Max will be part of the future of Formula 1. It is very important we listen to him, as we do with all of the top drivers.”

He didn’t stop there, doubling down with a glowing endorsement of Verstappen’s passion. “I guarantee to you that Max loves and cares about F1 more than anyone else,” Domenicali declared. “He has a way of saying something that can be interpreted in a certain way. But I can guarantee to you that Max wants and does care about Formula 1 more than anyone else.”

The Italian F1 supremo, who knows Verstappen well from years of close interactions, added: “I have a very good relationship 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.”

This comes amid a storm of controversy over the 2026 rules, which ditch much of the current ground-effect aerodynamics in favour of active aerodynamics, slashed power from the internal combustion engine, and a massive boost in electric power (nearly 50% of total output). Drivers must now juggle energy deployment carefully, leading to accusations that the cars will feel more like battery-managed machines than pure racing beasts.

Verstappen, never one to mince words, has been the most vocal critic. The 28-year-old Red Bull ace has slammed the new regs as making the cars “not fun to drive,” “anti-racing,” and likened them to “Formula E on steroids.” He’s repeatedly said this could be his “least favourite” era in F1, emphasizing constant energy management over flat-out driving. Back in 2023, he claims he flagged issues early in simulator sessions, but felt they weren’t fully addressed.

The criticism isn’t isolated to Verstappen. Other champions like Lewis Hamilton have called the rules “ridiculously complex,” while Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso have voiced similar gripes about the shift away from traditional racing purity. Even during Bahrain testing, feedback highlighted concerns over reduced top speeds, tricky handling in corners, and a potential drop in overtaking spectacle.

Yet Domenicali urged everyone—drivers, teams, and fans—to “stay calm.” He described the early complaints as premature, noting that feedback has already turned more positive as teams refine setups and drivers adapt. “We don’t have to forget that the evolution of the technology behind the cars requires, of course, a different way of driving the car itself,” he explained. “I really share the fact that everyone is being very, very constructive.”

The F1 chief stressed ongoing dialogue, including meetings with drivers and the FIA, to ensure talent remains central. Changes could still happen if needed, but the core vision—more sustainable, exciting racing with cutting-edge tech—remains intact.

Verstappen’s future has long been a hot topic. The Dutchman has repeatedly said he’ll only continue if he enjoys it, hinting that a lack of fun could prompt an early exit. His dominance with Red Bull (four straight titles) has made him the sport’s biggest draw, and any departure would be a seismic blow—especially with new teams like Cadillac joining in 2026 and massive global interest surging thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive.

But Domenicali’s reassurance paints a different picture: a committed Verstappen who, despite blunt opinions, remains deeply invested. The pair’s recent chat in Bahrain was described as “very constructive,” focusing on Verstappen’s points without drama.

This isn’t the first time Verstappen has ruffled feathers with his honesty. From simulator leaks to radio rants, his no-filter style has defined his era. Critics like former driver Juan Pablo Montoya have urged him to be more “responsible” as a champion representing the sport, while others see his candour as refreshing in a world often filled with PR spin.

As the 2026 season opener looms in Australia on March 8, all eyes will be on how the new cars perform in anger. Will the energy battles create strategic masterclasses or frustrating parades? Will Verstappen’s early pessimism prove prophetic, or will adaptation turn the tide?

For now, F1’s boss is betting big on the sport’s reigning king sticking around. Verstappen may grumble about the cars feeling less “pure,” but according to Domenicali, his love for the pinnacle of motorsport runs too deep to abandon it over regulations.

The drama underscores a broader tension: balancing innovation for sustainability and excitement with preserving what makes F1 thrilling—raw speed, bravery, and wheel-to-wheel battles. Verstappen’s voice carries weight as the man who’s mastered the current era, but Domenicali’s confidence suggests the show will go on with him at the wheel.

Whether the new cars deliver thrills or leave fans yearning for the old days remains to be seen. But one thing seems clear from the top: Max Verstappen isn’t quitting anytime soon. F1’s golden boy is here to stay, gripes and all.