While F1’s popularity has grown significantly under owner Liberty Media, drivers have kicked some aspects of the grand prix weekend.

F1’s move to a sprint race format over several weekends has not been universally popular, aside from some displeasure with the recent pre-race entertainment in Miami.

Recently, double world champion Max Verstappen said he will have to think about his long-term future in F1 if it continues down the path of more short races as part of a larger calendar expansion.

But Domenicali, who helped push for the introduction of sprint racing, believes drivers are wrong to criticize aspects of F1 that help make grand prix racing more popular, as it helps raise their own profile.

and daily mailDomenicali said: “I don’t want a society where people can’t say what they want. But drivers sometimes need to remember that they are part of a bigger picture. We don’t need to be selfish.

“They’re part of the sport and the business, it’s grown because we think bigger.

“It’s not easy to get out of our comfort zone at times, but we can’t be lazy or complacent – just like we could have tried some of the details of the sprint weekend format in the expected six races at the end of the season. Nor will we be on every occasion. There are sprints every weekend.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB19

Photography: Alexander Trienitz / motorsport pictures

“But we have a new audience and need to provide value for money in every class, rather than having everyone go around in circles just for the benefit of engineers and drivers.”

Verstappen’s comments about questioning his future in F1 amidst ideas such as sprint racing grabbed plenty of headlines earlier this year.

Domenicali played down talk that the Dutchman wanted out of the series and made sure to speak to him ahead of the recent Miami game.

“I discussed these issues with Max (before the last game in Miami),” Domenicali added. “He said he loves the sport and what he’s doing.

“He’s a world champion and he’s fighting for a third title. He was born in the car. I think he’ll probably outlive me. That’s not a problem.”