Max Verstappen’s stomach ache
Max Verstappen has undoubtedly been the most critical driver towards Formula 1 at the start of this season, to the point of implying he was even ready to leave the GP paddock if the driving feel of this generation’s cars did not improve. Then, with the small technical regulation changes applied starting from Miami, the controversies did calm down a bit, although tracks like Silverstone and Spa reignited the spotlight on issues of superclipping, electric power, and the “energy hunger” of the new cars. Stefano Domenicali, however, is convinced that the four-time world champion will stay and that the driving feel is already significantly improving with the tweaks to the 2027 rules.
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Stefano Domenicali is convinced Verstappen will stay
“I think that, with the drivers who have already tested next year’s novelties on the simulator – explains the big boss of F1, in a press conference in which FormulaPassion.it also participated – we believe that we are going in the right direction. We also discussed it with Max and we must not forget that there is a governance system according to which, to change the regulations, the teams and manufacturers must agree with the FIA’s position. And everyone knows very well that we would have liked to be even more aggressive on this point, but also that it was up to the teams to accept the proposed changes. I think Verstappen would have been very happy about it”.
“Max is an incredible driver – adds Domenicali – I have said it many times and I repeat it. I think Verstappen is in a situation where, if he loves Formula 1, he loves the future we are discussing together, his future and the future of the regulations. I have an incredible relationship with him and I believe that F1 is important to him. Obviously, he will decide his future in the way he prefers and the sport will look ahead but, as I said, my opinion is that Max will stay with us. I really hope so, but in any case the sport is great, bigger than anyone else, bigger than all of us”.
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Drivers are free to express their opinions
Stefano Domenicali also addressed the topic of the widespread criticism from many drivers especially at the start of the year: “We are not here to put a gag on anyone’s mouth. The beauty of a sport is that everyone can have an opinion, but an opinion is just an opinion. There is someone who has the duty to maintain a line. There are some drivers who obviously prefer certain things that I think are already present in our process. I emphasized the need to be constructive in this regard. But by now you know me and know how I prefer to discuss problems by finding solutions. I have great respect for our drivers, but everyone must understand that there is a single path we must take together and that the fans are the absolute priority over everyone, even over me. They can have a personal opinion, but I have the duty to synthesize what is best for the sport”.
