Max Verstappen’s attitude in F1 driver meeting shows how he really feels about staying in the sport

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Max Verstappen’s attitude during his meeting with Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali has shown how he really feels about staying in the sport.

Verstappen, 28, has endured a tough start to the 2026 F1 season, having only scored 12 points from the opening three races.

It has been well documented that Verstappen is not too keen on the sport’s new regulations, having previously compared the new era to ‘Mario Kart’.

Meanwhile, it was reported after the Japanese Grand Prix that Verstappen could retire from F1 when the 2026 season comes to a close.

It will be a massive failure on F1’s part if Verstappen is allowed to walk away from the sport at the age of just 28.

Who is the greater driver, Sebastian Vettel or Max Verstappen?

Two Red Bull greats… One massive decision 👀

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Does Max Verstappen still care about Formula 1?

From what Domenicali said about Verstappen this week, it looks like the Dutchman is trying to initiate change rather than just leave the sport entirely. 

Speaking to Autosport, Domenicali was asked about Verstappen’s future and the F1 boss stated that the 28-year-old was ‘very keen’ to put forward suggestions. 

Domenicali said: “I think that Max, we have spoken many many times since the beginning. I understand his comment, he understands the bigger picture.

“Even the meeting today where he was very keen to give suggestions, so I don’t want to fall into the trap of trying to create antagonism, that’s not me. It’s not the way we want to see that.

“Always in life, if you are constructive, it’s not a negative rumour against you so we are going to be together. He is the best driver, multiple world champion and of course his voice has to be listened to.

“Also, he knows that his voice has weight and he needs to respect that, and some people can take it the wrong way and this is something we should not allow to happen.”

From what Domenicali has said, it sounds like Verstappen still wants to be in the sport, but would like to see changes made as soon as possible.

Although it might not be something that can be solved overnight, F1 fans can perhaps sleep a little better knowing that Verstappen is still willing to engage in conversation to shape the future of the sport.

READ MORE: Laurent Mekies has now stopped listening to Max Verstappen just like Christian Horner

Stefano Domenicali told he has failed as F1 boss if Max Verstappen retires

In the worst-case scenario that Verstappen decides to walk away from F1 at the end of the 2026 season, Domenicali has already been warned that it means he would have failed in his job.

Speaking on the recent episode of The Two Mechanics podcast, Mark Grain, who previously worked at McLaren, said: “I know Max doesn’t like the regulations.

“Even if he has a fast Red Bull, I would still say Max is still going ‘Yeah, won the race, but these cars are horrible’.

“If Stefano Domenicali lets Max go out of Formula 1, I see that as a failure. To let the most talented race car driver on the planet, who is the fastest in the world, then he should be in Formula 1

“If he’s not, that’s a failure of Formula 1 as an organisation. You have to keep him in it.”