F1 boss refutes image of Verstappen: 'That’s not his personality’

Stefano Domenicali, boss of Formula One Group, spoke highly of Max Verstappen in the F1 Beyond the Grid podcast. According to the Italian, the Dutchman is one of the best drivers of all time.

The two-time World Champion can be mentioned in the same breath as Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher, according to the former Ferrari team boss: "The numbers speak for themselves. He has an incredible car, but without a doubt he is one of the best drives ever." Domenicali praised his work ethic. "He is impressive, fully dedicated to the sport."

However, the Formula 1 boss and the world champion do not always agree on the future of the premier class. Whereas Domenicali wants to further expand the sport to new destinations and thus more races, Verstappen prefers to keep it all as it is. He is very outspoken about this. Indeed, the Dutchman's future in Formula 1 partly depends on the path the sport wants to take, he told earlier. The new sprint format is also not liked by the Red Bull-driver.

Domenicali was asked if Verstappen is a difficult character to manage. "No, honestly. People have a short memory, then you are not covering the personality of the driver" the Italian stated. "I have a very good relationship with Max. We talk and I will never interfere with his future plans."

In the end, it is Domenicali himself who will have to make the decisions. "You can have a different opinion, but in the end I have the responsibility to look at the bigger picture." And so he does. "If I have to make a choice for the benefit of the sport that Max doesn't like, I will try to explain it to him."