Seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya believes Max Verstappen will eventually race for Ferrari, although not before a stint at Mercedes. Montoya anticipates this transition to Ferrari will take at least five years to materialize, a timeline informed by reflections on Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, which some view as coming too late in his career.
Currently contracted with Red Bull until the end of 2028, Verstappen’s future beyond that remains a topic of speculation. While talk about a switch has circulated for some time, Verstappen’s dominance in the Drivers’ Championship suggests he may remain with Red Bull until his contract expires. Along with Mercedes, Ferrari has also been mentioned as a potential destination, with Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, acknowledging that all three teams—Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull—are part of the conversation.
It’s not that we only talk about it [Mercedes] a lot this year. This year, nevertheless, a bit more than the years before,
Jos Verstappen recently told Viaplay.
But we also talk about Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull. That makes sense.
Montoya concurs with the idea that racing for Ferrari is in Verstappen’s future. He stated,
I think Max will drive the red car, but probably five or six years down the line,
expressing confidence that Verstappen’s path will eventually include Ferrari. However, Montoya does not expect the move to happen soon, suggesting that Verstappen will likely explore other teams first, unless Red Bull continues to secure exceptional results.
Montoya has noticed a maturity in Verstappen’s approach this year, describing a calmer demeanor compared to previous seasons. He speculated that this could be a sign Verstappen is preparing for a new chapter in his career, although the reason remains uncertain.
I think Max has matured and shown more maturity this year and we see a calmer Max. You don’t hear the outbursts as much. I don’t know if that’s because he’s preparing psychologically to be somewhere else. Who knows?
Looking ahead, Montoya envisions Verstappen experiencing drives with all three top teams. He predicts Verstappen will first move to Mercedes, followed by Ferrari eventually.
The obvious next move that you’ll see at some point will be to Mercedes,
Montoya said, adding,
But then Ferrari. That’s what I think.
Uncertainty Surrounding Ferrari’s Driver Line-up and Hamilton’s Challenging Start
The driver lineup at Ferrari remains unsettled as the future unfolds. Lewis Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari has yet to generate the anticipated successes following his high-profile move from Mercedes. With major Formula One regulations set to change in 2026, there is hope that Hamilton may still find his stride in Ferrari colors. Nonetheless, continued struggles could intensify questions about his future with the team.
Eddie Irvine, a former Ferrari driver with four Grand Prix wins, has publicly stated that Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari may have come late, possibly costing him crucial opportunities. Irvine would prefer to see Verstappen move to Ferrari earlier in his career, avoiding what he perceives as Hamilton’s misstep.
Back in my day, you had Michael [Schumacher] come, he was seen as by far the fastest driver,
Irvine explained on Sky F1. He described how Schumacher’s arrival at Ferrari brought a comprehensive team effort, including key figures like Rory Byrne and Ross Brawn, who were focused on building the team around Schumacher’s extraordinary talent.
Irvine noted that Schumacher sacrificed potential championships to join Ferrari, fully aware of the challenges ahead.
Michael gave up a lot, like Michael probably gave up two, three, maybe even more world championships to leave Benetton to go [to Ferrari]. Because the first few years, people have no idea how bad it was at Ferrari. Michael, he knew there was no point for him. He was so much better than everyone else. He just decided, ‘I’m going to go there. I’m going to see what I can do,’ which was amazing.
He emphasized that Schumacher’s success did not come quickly, highlighting the patience and effort required.
And he got there. But people forget, it took four years. He was always in the vicinity, but it was just, you could see he was driving the wheels off the thing to try and be there. So it was very easy for it not to happen.
On Verstappen’s potential future at Ferrari, Irvine expressed enthusiasm and urged the driver to avoid repeating Hamilton’s timing.
I would love Verstappen to come to Ferrari. I think the two of them together would be sensational. I hope he doesn’t leave it too late like Lewis did.
Montoya’s Prognosis on Verstappen’s Career Path and Its Implications
Juan Pablo Montoya’s insight into Max Verstappen’s trajectory underscores the strategic moves a driver makes in Formula One’s highly competitive environment. Verstappen’s likely progression from Red Bull to Mercedes, and eventually Ferrari, reflects a careful career planning approach, contrasting with Hamilton’s later Ferrari move, which has yet to yield expected successes.
Montoya’s assessment highlights Verstappen’s growing maturity and probable readiness to embrace new challenges as he navigates top teams. For Ferrari, acquiring Verstappen earlier could replicate the successful formula seen during Schumacher’s era, where the driver’s talent was harmonized with strong team support over several seasons.
As the sport awaits the 2026 regulatory changes, these shifting team dynamics and driver movements will be pivotal for championship outcomes. Verstappen’s potential arrival at Ferrari, combined with Hamilton’s ongoing adaptation, will remain a focal point for fans and analysts, determining the direction of Formula One’s elite competition in the coming years.
