Verstappen understands ‘bigger picture’ in power unit debate: F1 boss Domenicali

AFP | London

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Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali yesterday called on drivers, including the outspoken Max Verstappen, to “be respectful” of the sport but said changes to this year’s new power unit regulations needed to be made.

The Dutch four-time world champion has been the most vocal of the drivers criticising the new regulations concerning the hybrid engines, whose electric power management has posed problems for the drivers in the opening three races of the season.

Verstappen called the new style of racing “a joke” after the Chinese Grand Prix and has hinted he will take a break from F1 in 2027 if it remains the same.

“We have spoken many, many times since the beginning,” Domenicali told Autosport.

“I understand his (Verstappen’s) comments and he understands the bigger picture. I don’t want to fall in to the trap of trying to create antagonism because that’s not me.

“We’re going to be together. He is the best driver, he is a multiple world champion and of course his voice has to be listened to. But he knows that his voice has a weight. And he needs to respect that weight (as) sometimes some people can take it the wrong way and this is something we shouldn’t allow to happen.”