Stefano Domenicali is confident Max Verstappen will remain in Formula 1 after revealing that the Red Bull driver has reacted positively to changes planned for the 2027 regulations. Verstappen has repeatedly criticised elements of the new-generation rules introduced in 2026 and has previously raised doubts over how long he would want to remain in the championship if Formula 1 continued in a direction he did not enjoy.
The situation matters to Formula 1 because Verstappen is not simply one of its leading drivers. The four-time world champion commands an enormous following, with thousands of Dutch supporters regularly travelling across Europe to watch him race. Circuits such as Spielberg and Zandvoort routinely turn orange when Verstappen competes, underlining the scale of his popularity and the commercial importance of keeping one of the sport’s biggest stars engaged.
Max Verstappen has repeatedly criticised the 2026 F1 regulations
It is no secret that Max Verstappen has never been particularly enthusiastic about the technical regulations introduced for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Dutchman has voiced his concerns on several race weekends and has even questioned his long-term participation in F1 if the category’s direction does not change over the coming years.
A driver leaving Formula 1 does not necessarily create a major problem for the championship, which inevitably continues to evolve as generations change. Verstappen would be a different case, however, because of the extraordinary fanbase surrounding him. The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg and his home circuit at Zandvoort have repeatedly attracted huge numbers of orange-clad supporters travelling from the Netherlands and beyond.
That wider importance appears to be one reason Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with Verstappen. CEO Stefano Domenicali has revealed that discussions have taken place with the Red Bull driver as the championship prepares further changes to the power unit regulations from 2027.
Domenicali reveals talks with Verstappen over 2027 F1 changes
“The drivers who have already tried the changes planned for next year in the simulator say that we are going in the right direction,” Domenicali told the media. “We have discussed it with Max as well. We must not forget that there is a governance system whereby, in order to change the regulations, the teams and manufacturers have to agree with the position of the FIA and FOM.”
The comments come after a difficult opening 11 races of the 2026 campaign for Verstappen, who has struggled to find the consistent pace required to fight at the very front. The situation has been explored in GP-News.net’s Red Bull 2026 mid-season review, with the RB22 failing to restore the level of dominance Verstappen enjoyed earlier in his career.
The concern does not appear to be based purely on Red Bull’s competitive position. Verstappen has also given the impression that he is no longer enjoying certain aspects of driving Formula 1 cars as much as he once did, making the direction of future regulations particularly important.
Stefano Domenicali believes Verstappen still ‘loves Formula 1’
Domenicali nevertheless believes Verstappen’s underlying passion for Formula 1 remains intact and says the Dutchman has responded positively to the changes being prepared for 2027.
“I think Max is in a situation where he still loves Formula 1. We are discussing his future and the new regulations together and I think he was happy with the changes that we have decided to make for 2027. I have an incredible relationship with him.”
Domenicali then made clear that the final decision will always belong to Verstappen, while stressing that Formula 1 itself will continue regardless of any individual driver.
“Formula 1 is big enough to have him as part of it, but obviously he will decide his future in the way he prefers, and the sport will look ahead. In my opinion, he will stay with us. And I really hope so.”
The possibility of life after Verstappen is already a subject of discussion around Red Bull, with former F1 driver Johnny Herbert recently assessing whether the team is preparing for a future without its leading driver. For Formula 1 itself, however, Domenicali remains convinced Verstappen will continue to be part of the championship.
Zandvoort awaits as Verstappen returns to his home Grand Prix
Attention will soon return to the track, with Formula 1 resuming after the summer break at Verstappen’s home race in the Netherlands. The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will be held from 21 to 23 August and represents the final Formula 1 race at the circuit under the current agreement.
For Verstappen, it will once again mean racing in front of one of the most passionate home crowds on the calendar. The bigger question concerns what happens beyond the immediate race weekends: whether the regulatory changes planned by Formula 1 are enough to keep him enthusiastic about the championship for the long term.
Domenicali believes they are moving in the right direction. Verstappen will ultimately make his own decision, but Formula 1’s CEO is clearly hopeful that one of the championship’s most influential drivers will remain part of the grid as the sport continues refining its new technical era.
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