Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali plays down Max Verstappen retirement talk amid 2026 regulation concerns

Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has dismissed Max Verstappen’s suggestion that new regulations planned for 2026 could influence the Dutch driver’s future in the sport, saying he is confident the four-time champion remains committed to Formula 1, AP reported.

Speaking to reporters during preseason testing in Bahrain on Thursday, Domenicali said he had met Verstappen and described the discussion as constructive.

“I met yesterday Max, because as you know Max is incredible and he has a way of saying something that could be sometimes interpreted in a certain way,” Domenicali said.


“I guarantee to you that Max wants (to) and does care about Formula 1 more than anyone else. He has a way of putting the point that he wants to say in a certain way, but we had a very constructive meeting.”

Domenicali added: “My style is always to be very prudent and try to solve the things internally, as it should be, because we don't have to highlight things that actually are not in the interest of the fan. And we know that Max will be part of the future of Formula 1, and of course it's very important that we listen to him, and as we are listening to all the top drivers that are very important in this sport.”

Verstappen questions impact of 2026 regulations

Verstappen has been critical of the sweeping regulation changes set for 2026, under which cars will rely more heavily on electrical power. He previously described the new cars as “no fun” to drive and compared them to all-electric series Formula E “on steroids.”

In comments on the “Up to Speed” podcast released Thursday, the 28-year-old said the upcoming regulations would not help the “longevity” of his career.

“Definitely closer to the end, that's for sure. Honestly, it's a tough one. I would say of course the current regulations are not helping the longevity of my career in Formula 1, let's say like that,” Verstappen said.

“I'm very happy with my career anyway already in Formula 1. I can easily leave it behind. I have a lot of other projects.”

Verstappen made his Formula 1 debut in 2015 at the age of 17, becoming the youngest driver in the sport’s history. When he made his 200th career race start in 2024, he said he believed he was closer to the end of his career than the beginning. He is also known for his interest in other racing series and made his debut in endurance sportscar racing in Germany last year, AP reported.