F1 chief reveals Max Verstappen conversation: 'He understands now'

F1 boss Stefano Domenicali has detailed a conversation with outspoken Max Verstappen in which the Red Bull driver now "understands the bigger picture."

Verstappen has been particularly vocal in his dislike of the new regulations, branding them as "anti-racing" and as "Formula E on steroids" before dropping strong hints that he is considering his long-term future in grand prix racing.

The Dutchman has refuted claims that he is only being so critical as his Red Bull team is not winning grands prix, with talks planned between F1, the FIA, and the teams during the April break to find solutions for Miami. 

Explaining the conversations he has held with the field as a whole and with Verstappen, Domenicali explained how he told the drivers "to be respectful" of F1, and how Verstappen, behind closed doors, "understands the bigger picture."

“My conversations with them are definitely very open, and they know that I do care about their opinions. I want them to be involved," Domenicali told Autosport.

“But of course, there is sometimes a sort of game that you have to have. If you speak to the drivers at the top, they are always very happy because they are winning. 

"The others can be frustrated, also because they love a different way of racing, which I respect a lot.

"What I said to them is: 'Listen, guys, don't forget that what we are doing is because we did the right things together. So be respectful of a sport that gave all of us an incredible opportunity to grow, to have a lot of money, and to develop a personality in the world that in other sports you may love better, they cannot give to you.

“I think that's what I told them, and I think that has been acknowledged.”

“I think that with Max, we have spoken many, many times since the beginning, so we understand that I understand his comments and he understands the bigger picture. 

"He has been in meetings where he was very keen to give suggestions. So, I don't want to fall into the trap of trying to create an antagonism because that's not me. It’s not the way that we want to see that.

“So we're going to be together. He's the best driver, he's a world champion, multiple world champion, and of course, his voice has to be listened to. 

"But of course, he knows that his voice also has a weight. And he needs to respect that weight [because] sometimes some people can take it the wrong way. And this is something that we should not allow to happen."