Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has indicated that a future transfer to Ferrari could be possible, though it hinges exclusively on the team’s ability to deliver race-winning performance. Having driven for Red Bull since 2016 and securing four consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024, Verstappen’s loyalty faces challenges following Red Bull’s decline in competitiveness during the 2025 season.
The Dutch driver remains with Red Bull for 2026 but is taking the upcoming regulation changes into account when considering his long-term plans. Verstappen emphasized that his interest in Ferrari is conditional, focusing on the team’s potential rather than the prestige of driving for the iconic Scuderia.
Verstappen Reflects on Ferrari Prospects and Career Longevity
Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen addressed speculation about his possible switch to Ferrari, acknowledging the uncertainties in his career while underscoring the importance of team performance over brand attraction. He said,
“I don’t know, they definitely have two drivers for next year, so there are no discussions going on at the moment,”
demonstrating no current negotiations.
He elaborated:
“Is there a chance? Yes, there are always chances in life, for every decision. Of course, that’s not an issue right now, but who knows. Anyway, I don’t even know how much longer I’ll be driving in Formula 1, so there are still a lot of question marks for me.”
Verstappen further explained that joining Ferrari without the prospect of winning would be a mistake.
“Ferrari is a huge brand, and drivers naturally imagine ‘I’d like to drive for Ferrari,’ but I think that’s also where the danger lies: ‘just’ driving for Ferrari is the mistake. Because if you want to drive for Ferrari, you really have to go there to win. If I ever wanted to go to Ferrari, it wouldn’t be just to drive for Ferrari. No, it would be because I see the opportunity to win there.”
“If you ultimately manage to win with Ferrari, that’s even better, of course. But hey, you shouldn’t let yourself be guided by emotions or passion for the brand. You should only go if you feel it’s the right place to go.”
Considering the upcoming technical changes, Verstappen remains cautious:
“Will it ever be the right place for me? Who knows. We’ll see next year how things stand with the new regulations, because that could turn the whole grid upside down.”
Challenges During Verstappen’s 2025 Campaign
The 2025 Formula 1 season has been difficult for Verstappen’s Red Bull squad, which currently stands fourth in the constructors’ championship while teammate Yuki Tsunoda has only gathered nine points over 14 races. Despite this, Verstappen has performed impressively, claiming three victories and securing third place in the drivers’ standings.
He trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 94 points with eight races remaining. However, closing that gap appears unlikely unless McLaren, led by Piastri and Lando Norris, experiences a significant drop in form. Verstappen’s individual skill continues to outshine many of his competitors, but the team’s lack of pace remains a significant barrier to a fifth consecutive title.
A change in Red Bull’s team principal offers some hope for improvement, but maintaining Verstappen’s loyalty into 2026 will depend heavily on delivering a car capable of contending at the front.
Future Implications for Verstappen and Formula 1 Dynamics
With major regulation shifts due in 2026, the landscape of Formula 1 could be transformed, influencing drivers’ career decisions significantly. Verstappen’s carefully measured stance highlights how technical innovation and team performance are critical factors for top drivers considering moves between iconic teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
As established rivalries and emerging talents such as Oscar Piastri continue to reshape the championship, Verstappen’s next steps will be closely watched. His conditional openness to a Ferrari switch underscores the importance of results over legacy or brand sentiment in modern F1 decision-making.
This strategic approach reflects the intense competitiveness within the sport and suggests Ferrari must demonstrate genuine title-winning potential to attract a driver of Verstappen’s calibre in the coming years.
