Method 1 president Stefano Domenicali says he’s assured Max Verstappen is not going to depart the game regardless of the four-time world champion having just lately expressed concern over new rules for the 2026 season.
Throughout his media appearances at F1’s pre-season occasions, Verstappen mentioned the brand new automobiles, which the game’s bosses have tried to make extra sustainable, are like “Method E on steroids”.
Verstappen had mentioned final yr that if he did not discover the game’s new automobiles “enjoyable” to drive, he did not actually see himself “hanging round”.
Nevertheless, having held talks with Verstappen at Method 1’s last pre-season check in Bahrain on Wednesday, Domenicali is assured the Crimson Bull driver is not going to be leaving the grid any time quickly.
Verstappen was one of many first drivers on observe ultimately week’s opening check in Bahrain.
“I met with Max,” Domenicali mentioned. “We all know Max shall be a part of the way forward for Method 1. It is vitally essential we hearken to him, as we do with all the high drivers.
“He has a method of claiming one thing that may be interpreted in a sure method. However I can assure to you that Max needs and does care about Method 1 greater than anybody else.
“I had a really constructive assembly with him, and we can have a really constructive assembly with the FIA and with the groups to focus on the standpoint as to what he believes must be accomplished, which is to maintain the driving type on the centre with out altering the method.
“The evolution behind the expertise of the automobile requires a unique method of driving the automobiles. That has occurred previously, and it’ll occur sooner or later, too.
“I’m fairly certain after we sit down in the midst of the yr, or the tip of the yr, you will notice totally different feedback. That is regular in Method 1.”
Having received 4 successive drivers’ titles from 2021-2024, Verstappen has established himself as the very best driver on the present grid.
Verstappen displays on the Crimson Bull’s working in the course of the first Bahrain pre-season check.
His future has been the subject of a lot hypothesis during the last couple of years, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff having tried arduous to poach the Dutchman from rivals Crimson Bull.
Pressed on how he could be sure Verstappen is not going to retire, Domenicali added: “As a result of I’ve an excellent relationship with Max.
“I do know him very, very nicely. I spend plenty of time with him. That’s the reason, full cease. And he loves Method 1, there isn’t any doubt about it.”
The drastic nature of the regulation change for 2026, which sees the introduction of each new energy items and chassis, has led to questions over whether or not racing may undergo.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was left ‘stranded’ on the observe earlier than Lewis Hamilton as soon as once more aced the follow begin in his Ferrari.
With the opening spherical at Melbourne’s Albert Park only a fortnight away, Domenicali mentioned: “I do not perceive the panic that’s going round.
“There shall be unimaginable racing, plenty of motion and that’s the most essential factor. We have to keep calm as a result of as at all times when there are new rules – as there was in 2014, 2017 and 2021 – there’s a doubt that every little thing is unsuitable. I’m not nervous in any respect.”
Sky Sports F1’s Bahrain Testing schedule
Friday February 20
Watch each race of the 2026 F1 season reside on Sky Sports activities, beginning with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
- 6.50am-11.05am: Morning session Stay
- 11.55am-4.10pm: Afternoon session Stay
- 8pm: Testing Wrap
