Formula 1 must take seriously Max Verstappen’s complaints about the sport’s new regulations and their impact on racing, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has said, as stakeholders weigh potential in‑season adjustments for the remainder of the campaign.
Verstappen, a four‑time world champion, has been outspoken about the role of energy management under the new formula, arguing it limits drivers from racing flat‑out. Other drivers have also criticised how electrical energy is deployed and recharged. The Red Bull driver has gone so far as to suggest he is considering his future in the series, including after finishing eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix, and Domenicali confirmed he has been in dialogue with Verstappen and others about their concerns.
“He’s the best driver, he’s a world champion, multiple world champion, and his voice has to be listened to,” Domenicali said in an interview with Autosport.
“With Max, we have spoken many, many times,” he said. “So we understand that I understand his comments and he understands the bigger picture.
“Even today he has been in a meeting where he was very keen to give suggestions. I don’t want to fall into the trap of trying to create an antagonism because that’s not me. It’s not the way we want to see that.
“He knows his voice has a weight and he needs to respect that weight. Sometimes, some people can take it the wrong way and this is something we should not allow to happen.”
Talks on the regulations are taking place this month between the FIA, the teams, power‑unit manufacturers and Formula One Management. Technical and sporting learnings from the opening three rounds, along with potential tweaks, were reviewed last Thursday, with another technical meeting scheduled for this Thursday. A further meeting on 20 April will gather senior representatives, including team principals and their CEOs, the power‑unit manufacturers and Domenicali. Any changes would then be decided, subject to ratification by the world motorsport council, and are expected to be in place for the next round in Miami on 3 May.
While engine specifications are not set to change, adjustments are expected to focus on parameters governing energy recovery and deployment. Modifying those settings could influence both the way drivers manage energy during battles and overall safety—an issue highlighted when Oliver Bearman crashed at Suzuka amid differing closing speeds caused by cars running contrasting electrical modes at the same point on track.
What to watch next: attention now turns to the 20 April meeting and whether agreement can be reached quickly enough for Miami. The scope of any revisions to energy deployment, and the reaction from drivers—Verstappen foremost among them—will shape the early direction of the season.
Source: theguardian.com