System 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 not too long ago expressed concern over new laws for the 2026 season.
Throughout his media appearances at F1’s pre-season occasions, Verstappen stated the brand new automobiles, which the game’s bosses have tried to make extra sustainable, are like “Formula E on steroids”.
Verstappen had stated final yr that if he did not discover the game’s new automobiles “fun” to drive, he did not actually see himself “hanging around”.
Nonetheless, having held talks with Verstappen at System 1’s closing pre-season check in Bahrain on Wednesday, Domenicali is assured the Pink Bull driver is not going to be leaving the grid any time quickly.
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Verstappen was one of many first drivers on observe eventually week’s opening check in Bahrain.
“I met with Max,” Domenicali stated. “We all know Max shall be a part of the way forward for System 1. It is vitally vital we take heed to him, as we do with all the prime drivers.
“He has a means of claiming one thing that may be interpreted in a sure means. However I can assure to you that Max needs and does care about System 1 greater than anybody else.
“I had a really constructive assembly with him, and we may have a really constructive assembly with the FIA and with the groups to spotlight the standpoint as to what he believes must be completed, which is to maintain the driving fashion on the centre with out altering the method.
“The evolution behind the technology of the car requires a different way of driving the cars. That has happened in the past, and it will happen in the future, too.
“I’m fairly certain after we sit down in the midst of the yr, or the top of the yr, you will notice totally different feedback. That is regular in System 1.”
Having gained 4 successive drivers’ titles from 2021-2024, Verstappen has established himself as the perfect driver on the present grid.
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Verstappen displays on the Pink Bull’s working throughout the first Bahrain pre-season check.
His future has been the subject of a lot hypothesis over the past couple of years, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff having tried arduous to poach the Dutchman from rivals Pink Bull.
Pressed on how he may be sure Verstappen is not going to retire, Domenicali added: “Because I have a very good relationship with Max.
“I do know him very, very properly. I spend a whole lot of time with him. That’s the reason, full cease. And he loves System 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 might endure.
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McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was left ‘stranded’ on the observe earlier than Lewis Hamilton as soon as once more aced the apply begin in his Ferrari.
With the opening spherical at Melbourne’s Albert Park only a fortnight away, Domenicali stated: “I don’t understand the panic that is going around.
“There shall be unbelievable racing, a whole lot of motion and that’s the most vital factor. We have to keep calm as a result of as all the time when there are new laws – as there was in 2014, 2017 and 2021 – there’s a doubt that every little thing is fallacious. I’m not anxious in any respect.”
Sky Sports F1’s Bahrain Testing schedule
Friday February 20
Watch every race of the 2026 F1 season live on Sky Sports, starting with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
- 6.50am-11.05am: Morning session Stay
- 11.55am-4.10pm: Afternoon session Stay
- 8pm: Testing Wrap
