Max Verstappen has been directly involved in discussions over Formula 1’s planned regulation changes for 2027, Stefano Domenicali has revealed. After the four-time world champion became one of the most outspoken critics of the 2026 rules, the Formula 1 CEO says Verstappen has now been consulted about the direction the championship intends to take, particularly regarding the balance between combustion and electrical power.
Domenicali also believes the Dutchman responded positively to the proposed changes and remains optimistic that Max Verstappen will continue racing in Formula 1. Although the Red Bull driver has repeatedly questioned aspects of the championship’s current direction and developed an increasing interest in endurance racing, Domenicali hopes he will remain part of the grid.
Max Verstappen involved in discussions over 2027 F1 regulations
Max Verstappen’s views on the current Formula 1 regulations have been clear since the beginning of the season. The Dutchman criticised the new rules with comments that ranged from ironic to extremely pointed, particularly regarding the increased importance of electrical energy management.
However, Verstappen now appears to have become an important voice in discussions surrounding the changes planned for 2027. Stefano Domenicali confirmed that the Red Bull driver has been directly consulted over the future balance between the internal combustion engine and electrical power.
“We discussed it with him and I think he appreciated the changes and what the future of the category will look like,” Stefano Domenicali explained.
The consultation follows wider discussions between Formula 1, the FIA, teams, manufacturers and drivers over how the current regulations can be improved. Earlier in the season, Max Verstappen was also directly involved when F1 drivers and the FIA discussed potential changes to the regulations.
Formula 1 gives drivers a bigger voice in future rules
After the criticism surrounding the 2026 regulations, particularly over the heavy emphasis on electrical energy, Domenicali is prepared to adjust Formula 1’s direction again for 2027, moving towards a greater contribution from the combustion engine.
The decision is not being imposed without consultation. Teams, manufacturers and drivers are being directly involved in the process as Formula 1 attempts to find a compromise that improves the driving experience while retaining the broader principles behind the current technical formula.
“The drivers who have already tried the changes for next year in the simulator have said that things are moving in the right direction,” Stefano Domenicali said. “We must not forget that, in order to change the regulations, the teams and manufacturers have to agree.”
That requirement is significant because Formula 1 cannot simply reshape the technical framework without the necessary support from the other stakeholders involved in the championship.
Why Max Verstappen’s opinion matters to Formula 1
The question of Max Verstappen’s longer-term future also remains unresolved. The four-time world champion has shown an increasing interest in endurance racing and has previously indicated that his enthusiasm for certain aspects of Formula 1 has diminished, without ever publicly defining exactly when, or whether, he intends to leave the championship.
Domenicali has made clear that Formula 1 would continue regardless of whether Verstappen remains on the grid. At the same time, there is no denying the Dutchman’s importance to the championship. He is one of its most highly regarded drivers and commands an enormous following both in the Netherlands and internationally.
That status gives his opinion considerable weight when Formula 1 considers its future direction. His involvement in discussions over the 2027 regulations therefore reflects both his experience as a four-time world champion and his importance as one of the championship’s leading figures.
Domenicali expects Max Verstappen to stay in Formula 1
Speaking about Verstappen’s future, Stefano Domenicali stressed the strong relationship he has developed with the Red Bull driver.
“I think he is in a situation where he still loves the sport. I have an incredible relationship with him.”
Speculation over Verstappen’s future has continued throughout the summer break, with his relationship with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff again attracting attention after holiday photos involving Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff reignited discussion about his longer-term plans.
Domenicali nevertheless believes the final choice belongs entirely to Verstappen. Formula 1 is large enough to continue without any individual driver, but the championship’s CEO has made no secret of his desire to see the Dutchman remain part of it.
“Formula 1 is big enough for him to still be part of us, but of course he will decide his future in the way he prefers,” Stefano Domenicali said. “My opinion is that Max will stay with us. And I really hope so.”
For now, the two questions are increasingly connected. Formula 1 is trying to address some of the concerns that Verstappen has raised about the current generation of cars, while the Dutchman must decide how those changes fit with his own ambitions. His direct involvement in the 2027 discussions suggests that, despite his criticism of the current rules, his voice is still very much part of Formula 1’s plans for the future.
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