F1 Chief Domenicali Vows to Listen to Verstappen as Rule Changes Loom Before Miami GP

The tension between Max Verstappen and Formula One’s new technical era is reaching a flashpoint, and the sport’s most powerful executive is scrambling to smooth things over.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has committed to listening to the four-time champion’s concerns about the 2026 regulations, describing Verstappen as someone whose voice “has to be listened to” as key stakeholders meet to consider rule adjustments ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.

Verstappen has grown increasingly vocal about his frustration with the new formula, particularly the way energy management now dictates racing. The ability to deploy and recharge electrical energy at key moments has fundamentally changed how drivers approach races, often preventing them from racing flat-out. The Dutchman is not alone in that assessment — several other drivers have echoed similar concerns about the impact on competitive racing.

The issue moved from theoretical debate to urgent safety concern following Oliver Bearman’s enormous crash at Suzuka, where differing closing speeds caused by cars operating in competing electrical energy modes created a dangerous situation at a critical point on the track.

Meetings on the regulations are already underway this month. Technical and sporting discussions took place last Thursday, with another technical gathering scheduled for this week. A broader summit involving team principals, CEOs, power-unit manufacturers, and Domenicali is set for April 20, where changes to energy recovery and deployment parameters are expected to be finalised, pending ratification by the World Motor Sport Council.

No engine changes are on the table, but the adjustments to energy systems can significantly alter how racing unfolds and — as Suzuka demonstrated — directly affect safety.

Domenicali was measured in his comments, acknowledging Verstappen’s stature while urging the Dutchman to exercise his influence responsibly. “He’s the best driver, he’s a world champion, multiple world champion, and of course his voice has to be listened to,” Domenicali told Autosport. At the same time, he added: “He knows that his voice also has a weight and he needs to respect that weight.”

The F1 boss also made clear he has no interest in manufactured conflict with the sport’s biggest stars, insisting the priority is finding solutions rather than creating headlines. With the Miami round now just weeks away, the pressure is on to deliver rule changes that satisfy the drivers without undermining the sport’s direction.