MOTOR RACING: F1 will thrill in new engine era and Verstappen sure to stay, Domenicali says

F1 Boss Assures Fans: Max Verstappen Will Stay, New Engine Era Still Thrilling

Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali has reassured fans that the sport's new engine era will continue to deliver excitement, and four-time world champion Max Verstappen has no plans to quit racing.

Verstappen has been vocal about the new cars, calling them "like Formula E on steroids" and "anti-racing." He previously said he would stop racing if he no longer enjoyed it. Domenicali, however, insists there is no risk of that happening.

"I have a very good relationship with Max," the Italian told reporters during a video call. "I know him very well. I spend a lot of time with him. That's the reason. Full stop. He loves Formula One. There's no doubt about it."

Meeting Verstappen in Bahrain

Domenicali met Verstappen during testing in Bahrain on Wednesday, describing their discussion as "very constructive."

"I guarantee you that Max wants and cares about Formula One more than anyone else," Domenicali said. "He has a way of putting the point that he wants to say in a certain way. We'll also have a very constructive meeting with the FIA to highlight his views on what needs to be done to keep the driving style at the center of the sport."

Pre-Season Focus on New Cars

Much of the pre-season debate has focused on the new cars and how the balance between electric and combustion power—now 50-50—will affect racing. Drivers will need to be tactical with energy deployment and regeneration, and the traditional drag reduction system (DRS) has been replaced by a new overtake mode providing extra power for passing.

A New Way of Driving

Domenicali described the changes as "a new way of driving, a new way of interpreting the sport," emphasizing that speed and skill will still determine winners.

"The cars are really beautiful, the sound is very nice," he said. "And if you go around the track here, it feels similar to last year. I'm confident that ongoing development will make these cars very fast by the end of the season. I am totally positive that we will have another incredible year."

Calendar Updates

Domenicali also confirmed that Turkey's Istanbul Park circuit is likely to return to the calendar, possibly next year in rotation with an existing race. However, the total number of rounds will remain capped at 24. The 2026 season will also feature a new race in Madrid in September. -Reporting by Alan Baldwin;Editing by Alison Williams/Reuters