Domenicali Confident Verstappen Will Stay: 'He Will Remain'

As the Formula 1 lights prepare to go out at Zandvoort this weekend, one question still lingers in the paddock: will Max Verstappen truly stay? Stefano Domenicali, F1's boss, has offered a reassuring answer.

The Red Bull driver has been a vocal critic of the current regulations. From the early days, he highlighted issues like 'superclipping' and 'yoyo racing' that make racing feel artificial. He has even threatened to walk away if changes don't come.

Now, after listening to Verstappen's feedback and seeing the changes starting to take shape, Domenicali is optimistic. "I think Max would be very happy," he told select media. "He loves Formula 1, he loves the future. We are discussing together his future, and the regulations for the future. I have an incredible relationship with him."

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This statement comes amid speculation that top seats at other teams like McLaren or Mercedes are closed. But Domenicali insisted, "Formula 1 is big enough for him to be part of us, but of course, he will decide the future the way he prefers to do, and the sport will look ahead. My opinion is that Max will stay with us. And I really hope so."

Domenicali's confidence is not without basis. He revealed he has received positive feedback from drivers who have sampled the 2027 regulation changes in the simulator. "They say things are going in the right direction," he said. "We have also discussed this with Max."

However, Domenicali reminded that regulation changes cannot be done unilaterally. "We don't have to forget that there is a governance in place that, to change regulations, teams and manufacturers need to be in agreement with the position of the FIA and us (FOM)," he concluded.

With full support from F1's leadership, it seems Max Verstappen will remain a central figure on the grid for a long time. The question is whether his threats to leave are just a bluff or a serious signal. Either way, the paddock will be watching closely.