Stefano Domenicali has hinted that Max Verstappen’s new Red Bull deal through 2030 may not be unrelated to Formula 1’s increasingly serious discussions about bringing forward the next engine regulations.
The F1 CEO told De Telegraaf he was delighted Verstappen had committed long-term. “For me personally, this is fantastic news, I’m very happy about it.”
“Max is a living legend. I think this is the right decision. Max is the best driver in the world, and this is the best platform in motorsport.”
“Laurent Mekies and he called me on Tuesday from England. For me, it was a wonderful sign of respect.”
Domenicali says he has also been speaking privately with Verstappen about the direction of the sport.
“I listen to the opinion of someone like Max,” the Italian insisted. “I’d be crazy if I didn’t.”
“I always listen to the drivers, those are our crown jewels. I’ve always said that and I will always do that.”
The more interesting detail concerns the next engine formula.
Current plans point towards a new cycle in 2031, but Domenicali now admits that 2030 is being seriously discussed instead.
“I think pretty big,” he said when asked about the chances of V8 engines returning sooner rather than later.
“The president of the FIA wants that very much and we support him in that. Of course, everything still needs to be worked out, but I think we are all going in the right direction.”
When it was suggested that Verstappen’s new 2030 contract expiry might therefore be significant, Domenicali did little to kill the theory.
“Stay tuned! Keep an eye on the news,” he told Viaplay.
“Everything looks good.”
Verstappen himself has already said the new engine cycle influenced the length of his deal.
When asked whether this could be his final Formula 1 contract, he said: “That chance is great. But I don’t know.”
“That depends a bit on how things are going in the coming years. A lot can still happen in those years.”
