Domenicali responds to Max Verstappen on F1 changes
After discussing with Max Verstappen about the changes brought to F1 under the leadership of Liberty Media, Stefano Domenicali believes that these are necessary to satisfy a larger audience. Furthermore, the Italian does not believe in Verstappen retiring in 2028.
The head of the discipline held a meeting with Max Verstappen prior to the Miami Grand Prix to discuss the evolution of Formula 1. The changes made to the race weekends, driven by Liberty Media’s Americans, are not to the liking of the Dutch driver.
Besides the format changes of the sprint, several drivers did not appreciate the flashy entrance they were forced to make moments before the Miami race, at a time when they are usually deeply focused.
If Domenicali claims to have heard the complaints of the reigning double world champion, he nevertheless suggested that drivers like Verstappen should not be “selfish” when it comes to the demands of the sport, as Formula 1 is seeking to attract more audience.
“I don’t want a society where people can’t say what they want,” said the Italian. “But drivers sometimes need to remember that they are part of a larger whole. We don’t need to be selfish.”
« They are part of this sport and this company, which is growing because we have a bigger vision. It is not always easy to step out of our comfort zone, but we cannot be lazy or complacent – just like we can review certain specifics of the sprint weekend format at the end of the season, once we have tested it in the six planned occasions. We won’t have sprints every weekend either. »
« But we have a new audience and we must offer good value for money at each session, and not let everyone spin in circles for the sole benefit of engineers and pilots. »
Domenicali does not believe in Verstappen’s retirement in 2028
Stefano Domenicali has ruled out an early departure of Max Verstappen from F1 after his conversation with him shortly before the Florida weekend. Verstappen’s long-term future in the sport is being questioned after the 25-year-old hinted that he might leave when his current contract with Red Bull expires in 2028.
If the Dutch love racing, they often complain about the other aspects related to the Formula 1 driver profession.
Already frustrated by his workload, he had questioned his future following the changes made to the sprint race format, stating that if it continued, Formula 1 would not be «worth it”. But for the boss of the Formula One Group, these hasty statements are not meant to be set in stone. « He said he loves the sport and what he does. He is a world champion and is fighting for a third title. He was born in a car. I would say that he is likely to stay longer than me. It’s not a problem ».
Although 2028 is still five years away, the subject is already causing a lot of discussion given the records that Verstappen could break. As the youngest winner of a Grand Prix in F1 history, he already has two championship titles. If the Red Bull driver backs up his words with actions, he could retire from the sport on the same level as Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher with seven world championships.
In the early stages of the 2023 season, which has been heavily dominated by Red Bull, Max Verstappen seems well on his way to clinching a third consecutive title.
