‘I Do Care… So Be Respectful’: F1 CEO Replies To Verstappen; Urges Patience From Drivers

Last Updated:April 15, 2026, 4:53 PM IST

Max Verstappen’s ‘Mario Kart’ jab at F1’s new era has sparked debate, forcing CEO Stefano Domenicali to respond as teams and the FIA scramble for fixes.

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali (X/Getty Images)

You can disagree with him. You can mock him. You can roll your eyes every time he speaks. But here’s the inconvenient truth: Max Verstappen is undeniable… and Formula 1 knows it.

The reigning champion has been the loudest voice pushing back against F1’s bold new era. And now, even the sport’s top brass are being forced to respond.

A New Era… or a Step Back?

The 2026 regulations — featuring revamped power units, smaller chassis, and a sweeping aerodynamic overhaul — were meant to revolutionise racing. Instead, three race weekends in, they’ve stirred up more confusion than clarity.

Drivers are grappling with awkward compromises: lifting and coasting through high-speed sections, backing off in the fastest corners just to recharge batteries.

The result? Not just compromised qualifying laps, but genuine safety concerns due to extreme closing speeds.

And then Max took it all one step further — branding the racing “Mario Kart.” More than once.

Domenicali Responds

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali isn’t dismissing the noise, but rather is urging perspective.

“My conversations with them are definitely very open, and they know that I do care about their opinions. I want them to be involved,” he told Autosport.

But he also issued a gentle reality check.

“Listen, guys, don’t forget that what we are doing is because we did the right things together. So be respectful of a sport that gave all of us an incredible opportunity…”

The Verstappen Effect

Domenicali made it clear that Verstappen’s voice matters. Perhaps more than anyone else’s.

“He’s the best driver, he’s a world champion, multiple world champion… his voice has to be listened to.”

But the F1 CEO then pulled an Uncle Ben — stating that with great influence comes great responsibility.

“He knows that his voice also has a weight… sometimes some people can take it the wrong way. And this is something that we should not allow to happen.”

What Happens Next?

Behind the scenes, the FIA, teams, and engine manufacturers are already in talks to tweak the regulations, possibly as early as the Miami Grand Prix.

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