Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali has arranged to sit down for dinner with Max Verstappen as speculation mounts that the quadruple world champion may walk away from the sport when the current season concludes.
According to former F1 driver Christijan Albers, who spoke to Viaplay, the meeting between the sport's boss and its biggest star has been confirmed.
"I know that a dinner is scheduled between him and Stefano Domenicali," Albers revealed.
"The question is what will come of it."
The Dutchman's representatives have reportedly been conveying similar messages about his future to media outlets in the Netherlands, with the extended gap between the Japanese and Miami races set to prove decisive.
Verstappen's frustration stems primarily from the sweeping regulation changes introduced this year, which have left him questioning whether the sport remains worthwhile.
Following a disappointing eighth-place result at Suzuka, the 28-year-old suggested in post-race interviews that he was actively evaluating his options.
Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali has arranged to sit down for dinner with Max Verstappen as speculation mounts that the quadruple world champion may walk away from the sport when the current season concludes
|GETTY
Though he has stopped short of issuing an explicit ultimatum, Verstappen appears ready to depart unless the rules undergo substantial revision.
The four-time champion, who is scheduled to participate in the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race in May, now considers sportscar competition a more authentic form of motorsport.
With a young daughter at home and his legacy already secured, the demands of a 22-race calendar may no longer justify the personal sacrifice required.
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F1 facts fans might not know | GETTY/GBNEWSThe technical difficulties centre on the dramatically enlarged battery systems introduced for 2026.
F1 had initially aimed to make cars 50 per cent electric, and while internal combustion engines still provide most of the power, the upgraded batteries have created numerous problems.
The figures illustrate the scale of change: battery output has jumped from 160 horsepower last season to 470 horsepower this year, with the system now producing 350kW.
Albers suggested reverting to an 80/20 or 70/30 power split between engine and battery could resolve the issues.
Max Verstappen has endured a nightmare start to the F1 season | GETTYCrucially, Verstappen is not alone in his criticism. Multiple drivers have expressed dissatisfaction with the current regulations, lending weight to calls for modification.
Despite the mounting concerns, Albers remains convinced that Verstappen will not abandon Formula One. He pointed out that the governing body is well aware of the widespread discontent among drivers.
"I don't believe he will quit," Albers stated. "The FIA knows it too. It's not just Max who has a say, because there are others who say this."
The former driver also noted that one difficult campaign does not preclude improvements arriving in 2027. Teams are expected to use the break before the Miami Grand Prix to conduct a thorough review of the regulations, with adjustments to the qualifying recharge limit already implemented at Suzuka suggesting further amendments may follow.