Domenicali reveals F1 wanted to go much further to accommodate Verstappen

It was previously announced that the engine regulations will be adjusted from 2027, with the aim of reducing the role of energy management during Grands Prix.

In doing so, Formula 1 partly addressed criticism from several drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. According to Domenicali, however, the sport wanted to go even further, but there ultimately was not enough support for that during the decision-making process.

"Well, I think for the drivers who have already driven the changes for next year on the simulator, it's going in the right direction. We've discussed that with Max as well," the Italian began answering GPblog's questions.

"We can't forget that there is a governance structure in place. To change the regulations, the teams and manufacturers need to agree with the FIA and us,” he explained.

According to Domenicali, the changes that were ultimately approved did not go as far as Formula 1 had in mind. The Italian explained that the commercial rights holder wanted to introduce go further, but was dependent on the approval of the teams, manufacturers and the FIA.

“You know very well that we wanted to be even more aggressive on that, but that was what the teams accepted,” the F1 CEO continued.

Domenicali also believes those additional changes would have gone down well with Verstappen. “I think Max would have been very happy with that.”

Domenicali then also addressed Verstappen’s future. Although the Dutchman has still not provided clarity about his plans for the coming years, the Italian is not particularly worried.

He explained that he regularly speaks with Verstappen, not only about his future but also about the direction in which Formula 1 is heading.

Domenicali currently sees no signs that Verstappen wants to turn his back on Formula 1. According to the Italian, the four-time world champion still has a strong connection to the competition.

Still, he underlined that Verstappen will ultimately make the decision for himself: “Of course, he will decide his future the way that he prefers to do, and the sport will look ahead. But as I said, I've already stated what I think about it. My opinion is that Max will stay with us, and I really hope so. That's what I'm thinking. As I said, the sport is big, much bigger than anyone else. All of us,” Domenicali concluded.