Bernie Ecclestone has warned Max Verstappen to avoid a move to Ferrari after 2026, suggesting that joining the Italian team could prematurely end his racing career. The former Formula 1 chief made this statement amidst ongoing challenges within Ferrari’s current driver lineup.
Ecclestone’s View on Verstappen’s Prospects Outside Ferrari
Ecclestone expressed confidence that Verstappen can remain successful wherever he chooses to race, as long as it is not with Ferrari’s Maranello outfit. He emphasized Verstappen’s exceptional ability to elevate any team he joins, highlighting the Dutch driver’s potential beyond the Scuderia.
Lewis Hamilton’s Difficulties Illustrate Ferrari’s Struggles
Hamilton’s recent struggles at Ferrari have served as a warning. At 40 years old, the seven-time world champion admitted feeling “useless” during the summer break. Ecclestone believes this situation shows Ferrari needs to focus on recruiting rising talent rather than relying on older drivers.
He mentioned potential young drivers like Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar as promising candidates to secure Ferrari’s future success. Ecclestone said,
“They have to choose an up-and-coming driver. I would take the Brazilian (Gabriel) Bortoleto, who I think will be very good, or Isack Hadjar. Bortoleto will do the job. Put him in the right car and you’ll see.”
Concerns About Ferrari’s Management Decisions
Ecclestone also criticized Ferrari’s current leadership, suggesting that poor choices in management have contributed to the team’s problems. He said,
“Unfortunately, the wrong people were chosen. They need someone to bring a few people along.”
This critique points to a need for structural changes to improve team performance.
Reflections on Hamilton’s Role and Ferrari’s Expectations
On Hamilton’s tenure at Ferrari, Ecclestone expressed disappointment, saying the team’s expectations have not been met.
“The most embarrassing thing, in my opinion, for Lewis and Ferrari is that they believed he would be able to deliver all the things that were necessary. They must be disappointed that what was supposed to be delivered was not delivered.”
Former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger also commented on Hamilton’s struggles, citing the challenge Hamilton faces adapting to a new team role.
“Lewis was always used to being number 1 in a team,”
Berger explained.
“Now Leclerc has him under control. But this is more of a morality tale – status shouldn’t play a role. Lewis is struggling with it, but he has to get out of it himself, get the car and his teammate under control. It’s entirely up to him.”
Positive Outlook on Young Talent like Oscar Piastri
In contrast to Hamilton’s difficulties, Ecclestone pointed to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri as a driver showing great promise, leading the championship narrowly after the summer break. He praised Piastri’s humility and ability to learn from mistakes without blaming others, stating,
“He gets the job done. When he makes mistakes, he knows he made them and doesn’t blame others or make excuses. He makes sure he doesn’t repeat the mistakes. He doesn’t make them twice. He’s the best driver after Max Verstappen.”
Implications for Verstappen’s Career Decisions
Ecclestone’s warnings and observations underscore the risks Verstappen may face if he chooses Ferrari as his next destination. With Ferrari in a transitional phase and struggling to meet expectations, Verstappen’s decision will be critical for his long-term career trajectory. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s management and driver strategy remain under scrutiny as the team looks to rebuild towards greater competitiveness.
