F1's CEO addresses Verstappen's 'Mario Kart' jab, emphasizing the sport's greater picture and rejecting confrontational criticism for the benefit of all.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has stepped forward to address the mounting criticism from drivers like Max Verstappen over the current state of the championship. The four-time world champion has not held back in pointing out what he sees as the flaws in the new power units.
Given that Verstappen is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers of his generation — perhaps of all time — his words carry the weight of an uncomfortable truth that cannot simply be dismissed.
Following the Red Bull driver's controversial remarks, Domenicali spoke to motorsport.com: "I have a lot of respect for Max. I speak with him often, and of course he has very strong opinions — which, as I've said, is fine when expressed in the right way. I always say: we need to remember why we're here with this regulation. Otherwise, you lose sight of the starting point. I think some of his points are valid, and that's exactly why we're working together to address everything."
"He will understand that there is a bigger picture. I may like or dislike certain things, but everyone needs to understand the reasons behind the rules. It's good that he pushes on these issues — and if there's pressure, we can channel it the right way, in the right forum, because that's the nature of our sport. I will never be confrontational; it's not who I am. The sport is bigger than any one of us. Anyone. And that's something everyone needs to remember."
"The sport is in its 76th year. I've seen people come and go — drivers, brilliant engineers, prima donnas, all of them. But the sport is solid and always looking forward. We have over 800 million fans, and the scale of what we do is enormous. So I welcome all feedback, but let me be clear: the governance of Formula 1 is not a one-man show. It is a system that must be voted on and discussed collectively."
"So I want to say this officially: please, don't try to take a negative or confrontational approach, because it doesn't help the sport. It has no value for me. If people want to see that kind of drama, that's precisely what we don't need. I will never do anything that harms the sport. With my experience, I know how to avoid the traps that make great headlines but are damaging to our medium and long-term goals."
What Does F1 Say About Verstappen's Possible Retirement?
The situation with the four-time world champion has become so serious that Verstappen himself has not ruled out stepping away from F1 — a prospect that has unsettled many fans.
On that note, Domenicali said: "Max is a four-time world champion. He's an incredible driver — one of the best, maybe the best. Personally, I hope he stays, because I'm sure the adrenaline you find in Formula 1 is unlike anything else. But I can't say more than that. That's why I keep saying: try to be constructive, even when emotions run high and people get pulled in directions that don't serve anyone."