Stefano Domenicali to have dinner with Max Verstappen amid growing frustration over F1 rules

Stefano Domenicali is set to hold talks with Max Verstappen at a pivotal moment for Formula 1, as one of the sport’s biggest stars weighs up his future.

Retirement rumours gather momentum

Verstappen could step away from Formula 1 at the end of 2026, with suggestions that he is no longer finding the same satisfaction under the revised rules. After finishing eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix, he admitted in the media pen that he was considering his options. Off the record, similar messages have reportedly been conveyed to Dutch media by those close to him.

Speaking to Viaplay, via F1 Maximaal, Albers revealed the planned meeting with Domenicali.

“I know that a dinner is scheduled between him and Stefano Domenicali,” Albers said. “The question is what will come of it. One year that doesn’t go well doesn’t mean there won’t be change in 2027.”

While Verstappen has not publicly issued any ultimatums, there is a growing sense that significant regulatory adjustments may be required to secure his long-term presence in the sport.

A shift in perspective

With four world championships already secured and a young daughter at home, Verstappen may be reassessing the personal cost of a calendar that stretches to 24 global races — or 22 this season. The relentless travel and evolving technical direction of Formula 1 appear to be weighing on his thinking.

He is also set to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May, and currently views sportscar racing as a purer form of competition. That perspective only intensifies the pressure on Formula 1’s leadership.

For Domenicali, the situation is delicate. Any perception of pandering to a single driver would carry risk, yet losing Verstappen in his prime would represent a significant blow to the championship’s competitive and commercial strength.

Regulation concerns at the core

Albers, however, does not believe Verstappen will ultimately walk away.

“I don’t believe he will quit,” he insisted. “The FIA knows it too. It’s not just Max who has a say, because there are others who say this.”

Several drivers have voiced concerns about the new rules, particularly the expanded electrical component of the power units. Formula 1 had planned to become 50% electric this year. Although the internal combustion engine still provides the majority of total output, the increased battery capacity has created complications.

The qualifying recharge limit was already adjusted for the Japanese Grand Prix, and teams are expected to review the regulations further before Miami. Broader changes could follow.

Albers pointed specifically to the size and output of the battery.

“They just need to get the management properly under control with those batteries. Maybe they should go back to last year, with an 80/20 split or otherwise 70/30. That battery is simply too big at 350kW.

That is 470hp compared to the 160hp they had last year. That is a really big difference. The engine also simply delivers much less power. If they get that under control, it’s okay.”

While some of the racing has been described as spectacular — especially compared to 2025 — concerns remain about the impact on qualifying and, more importantly, potential safety risks.

For now, Verstappen’s future remains undecided. The dinner with Domenicali may not deliver immediate answers, but it underscores the seriousness of the moment. Formula 1’s regulatory direction — and its ability to respond — could determine whether its most prominent driver continues or decides his time has run its course.