Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has expressed his confidence that Max Verstappen will remain in the sport for the long term. This comes amid ongoing discussions about the driver’s future and his public criticism of the sport’s direction.
Verstappen has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with certain aspects of Formula 1, particularly the new technical regulations introduced for the 2026 season. He has described the new cars, which have a greater reliance on battery power, as ‘Formula E on steroids’.
The four-time world champion has also voiced his dislike for the increasing number of sprint races on the calendar, which he feels are ‘boring’ and disrupt the traditional race weekend format. These factors have fuelled speculation that he might not see out his current Red Bull contract.
That contract currently runs until the end of the 2028 season. However, recent reports suggest Red Bull has offered Verstappen a new deal to extend his stay until 2029. This proposed contract would reportedly include a significant salary increase.
Crucially, the new offer is said to remove any performance-related exit clauses, which have been a point of speculation throughout the year. Verstappen and his management have not yet publicly responded to these reports.
Domenicali stated that he has a very good relationship with Verstappen and has held constructive meetings with him to discuss his concerns. The F1 CEO emphasized the importance of listening to the drivers’ feedback.
‘I guarantee to you that Max loves and cares about F1 more than anyone else,’ Domenicali stated earlier this year. ‘We know Max will be part of the future of Formula 1.’
Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, recently indicated that the intention is to honour the existing agreement with Red Bull. ‘Max wants to finish his time with Red Bull. He has a contract until 2028 and would like to fulfil it,’ Vermeulen said.
Despite the driver’s criticisms, Domenicali remains certain that Verstappen’s passion for the sport will ensure his continued presence on the grid. He believes the competitive adrenaline found in Formula 1 is unique.
