Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali revealed discussions with Max Verstappen regarding the current regulations in the sport, which the Dutchman has been a vocal critic of.

Perhaps there has been a Domenicali overload recently with this being the fourth article about the Italian who has been delivering quotes following a recent interview with Autosport/Motorsport about the current situation in Formula 1.

But as we look at a bleak situation in Formula 1 due to current regulations, anything Domenicali says is important for the big picture regardless of how delusional it may sound.

The Formula 1 chief tackled the Verstappen aspect of the new regulations with the Red Bull ace not holding back, calling them anti-racing and likening the sport to Formula E on steroids.

“You know me; I respect Max a lot," Domenicali said. "I speak with him a lot, and of course he is quite opinionated in that respect."

However, he went on explaining how the current regulations have been conceived as Formula 1 hoped to attract manufacturers in a world that has changed significantly since rendering these rules obsolete.

Why are we here?

Domenicali explained: “We need to remember the reason why we are here with this regulation. Otherwise, we miss the starting point—and if you start in the middle of the race, you miss the start. So, it is like that, and I think that certain points are valid, and that's why we are here to fix [those] all together.”

He also hoped that Verstappen would keep that in mind, especially as the four-time Champion has hinted that he is reconsidering his future with the sport.

“I think that, of course, he will understand that there is a bigger picture," Domenicali said. "I can like certain things or not, or like certain things more or less. But in a way, everyone needs to understand that, as I said, [there are] certain reasons [behind it].

“The sport is bigger than any one of us, anyone," he added, in response to speculation regarding Verstappen's future plans. "And this is something that everyone needs to remember. Everyone means everyone, no one excluded.

"The sport is in the 76th year of these stages. I've seen people manage it: drivers, fantastic engineers, prima donnas, everyone.

"But the sport is solid, it's looking ahead, and that's what I'm saying," the former Scuderia Ferrari boss maintained.

Domenicali won't buckle under confrontation

He went on saying that he did not appreciate public criticism: “That’s why I really want to say officially, please, don't try to take any kind of negative confrontational approach, because it doesn't help the sport.

"It doesn't give any value for me. I mean, if people would love to see this kind of chitchat, this is what we don't need, because it's not good for the sport.

“And I never do anything for the worst of the sport, because I think that with my experience, I know how to avoid to get into the traps—which are great to have some coverage, but not good for the medium and long-term objectives.”

Going back to Verstappen, Domenicali said: “Max is a four-time world champion. He’s an incredible driver, one of the best for sure, maybe the best.

"I personally really hope that he can stay. I'm sure that, you know, the adrenaline you can find in Formula 1 is unique, and therefore I really hope that he will stay.

"But I cannot say more than that. And that's why, as I said, try to be constructive, even if sometimes people in certain situations can be dragged into certain emotional dimensions, which are not the things that we need for our sport," he concluded. (Source: Motorsport.com)