The president of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, has delivered an update on Max Verstappen's future in the sport after a meeting was held.
Over the last few weeks, Verstappen has been vocal about the major changes made to the sport's technical regulations.
In 2026, cars will be more reliant on battery power, and drivers will be tasked with deciding when and how hard they brake during a lap.
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Speaking about the new regulations last week, Verstappen claimed that the changes are making F1 into 'Formula E on steroids'.
On Thursday, Verstappen told the Up to Speed Podcast that he is 'definitely closer to the end' when asked whether he has set a timeframe on his potential F1 exit.
However, F1 boss Domenicali has now stated that Verstappen 'will be' involved in the future of the sport.
According to Sky Sports, Domenicali and Verstappen held talks on Wednesday in Bahrain.
Domenicali said: "I met with Max. We know Max will be part of the future of Formula 1. It is very important we listen to him, as we do with all of the top drivers.
"He has a way of saying something that can be interpreted in a certain way. But I can guarantee to you that Max wants and does care about Formula 1 more than anyone else."
Domenicali then shed light on the details of his meeting with Verstappen, branding the conversation as 'constructive'.
The Italian continued: "I had a very constructive meeting with him, and we will have a very constructive meeting with the FIA and with the teams to highlight the point of view as to what he believes needs to be done, which is to keep the driving style at the centre without changing the approach.
"The evolution behind the technology of the car requires a different way of driving the cars. That has happened in the past, and it will happen in the future, too. I am pretty sure when we sit down in the middle of the year, or the end of the year, you will see different comments. This is normal in Formula 1."
Having won four world titles so far in his career, Verstappen previously told SPORTbible that he had already achieved everything he wanted to in F1.
When quizzed on how he aims to keep Verstappen on the F1 grid for as long as possible, Domenicali said: "Because I have a very good relationship with Max.
"I know him very, very well. I spend a lot of time with him. That is the reason, full stop. And he loves Formula 1, there's no doubt about it."
Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Marcus Chan