Domenicali says No Doubt Verstappen Will Stay After ‘Anti‑Racing’ Claim

Max Verstappen’s blunt take on the 2026 power‑unit rules—calling them ‘anti‑racing’ and more like Formula E—has reignited talk about his long‑term commitment to F1. F1 chief Stefano Domenicali met the Dutch champion, emphasizing that Verstappen’s future is secure and that the sport will evolve with the new regulations.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen’s stance affects driver morale and fan perception of the 2026 package.
• A champion who finds the car “not fun” could hurt Red Bull’s performance and sponsor appeal.
• Driver buy‑in is crucial for the sustainability‑focused rule change.

The details:

• Verstappen said the Bahrain car feels “like Formula E on steroids” and can’t be driven flat‑out.
• He warned enjoyment matters now and hinted at exploring options beyond F1.
• Domenicali called the meeting “constructive” and said Verstappen’s future is secure.
• The CEO noted driver feedback evolves as teams master energy‑recovery, citing 2021 as precedent.
• Hamilton and Alonso have also voiced concerns about reduced driver joy.

What's next:

• Teams will fine‑tune hybrid recovery, aiming for smoother driving.
• The FIA will collect data all season to balance sustainability with excitement.
• Verstappen’s feedback will shape continued dialogue on rule tweaks.