‘Max cares more than anyone’: F1 CEO quashes Verstappen’s early exit rumors

Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has brushed off suggestions from Max Verstappen that the sport's radical 2026 technical regulations could drive the four-time world champion into early retirement.

The Dutch driver, 28, has emerged as a fierce critic of the upcoming rules, which shift the sport toward a heavier reliance on electrical power. Verstappen has labelled the next-generation cars "no fun" to drive and mockingly compared them to an all-electric series, calling them "Formula E on steroids."

In a candid interview on the "Up to Speed" podcast released Thursday, Verstappen admitted the new era of racing is "definitely not helping the longevity" of his career. However, Domenicali downplayed the remarks following a private meeting with the Red Bull star during preseason testing in Bahrain.

“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 told reporters. “I guarantee to you that Max wants (to) and does care about Formula 1 more than anyone else.”

The "Longevity" Debate

Verstappen, who became the youngest driver in F1 history when he debuted at age 17 in 2015, has long hinted that he may not remain on the grid for the duration of his current contract, which runs through 2028. Having already surpassed 200 race starts, he suggested his departure might be closer than many fans expect.

“Definitely closer to the end, that's for sure," Verstappen said on the podcast. "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.”

The champion’s frustration stems from the 2026 power unit regulations, which mandate a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power. Verstappen has argued that the resulting "management" of energy prevents drivers from pushing flat-out, which he views as the essence of the sport.

Internal Diplomacy

Domenicali emphasised that the sport is listening to the concerns of its elite competitors but preferred to handle the "constructive" dialogue behind closed doors rather than through public headlines.

“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,” the CEO added. “We know that Max will be part of the future of Formula 1.”

Verstappen has recently begun exploring interests outside of the F1 paddock, including a debut in endurance sportscar racing in Germany last year. While Red Bull remains the benchmark for performance in the 2026 era, Verstappen’s comments suggest that for him, a winning car may no longer be enough to keep him in the cockpit if the driving experience fails to excite him.

With inputs from PTI