Verstappen: If I go to Ferrari it's because I see the opportunity to win

Speculation has swirled in recent months that Team Verstappen were deep in discussions with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. In the end, nothing materialised, and the Dutchman committed himself to Red Bull for at least another season. Getting an ESPN Plus free trial this fall will keep you in the loop.

In 2026, Red Bull and Ford begin their new era together in Formula 1, the American giant returning to the sport after decades away. The project is being built around Verstappen, described by Ford’s CEO as the “pillar” of its foundation.

But what if Red Bull stumble? Mercedes will always have an open door for Verstappen as long as Wolff runs the team. More significantly, Ferrari will very much be in the queue. Lewis Hamilton’s career looks unlikely to extend far beyond 2026, judging by the 40-year-old's own demeanour and self-criticism.

The seven-time F1 world champion has already been unable to consistently beat Charles Leclerc, and unless he has a title-winning car, the odds of him racing beyond 2026 are slim. By the time Verstappen becomes a free agent, Hamilton will almost certainly be gone, and Ferrari will have the vacancy.

History suggests it is inevitable: most of Formula 1’s greatest champions have driven for Ferrari. And if there is one driver capable of turning Maranello into the juggernaut it was during the Schumacher era, it is Verstappen.

Verstappen himself is clear on what would motivate such a move: “I think Ferrari is a massive brand, and of course, all the drivers they see and they picture themselves of, ‘I would like to drive for Ferrari,’ but I think that's also where the mistake comes, just to drive for Ferrari.

“If you want to drive for Ferrari, you want to win. So if I were ever to go there, I wouldn't go there just to drive for Ferrari, I'd go there because I see the opportunity to win. And if you win with Ferrari, that's even better.”

Former team owner Giancarlo Minardi believes Ferrari are already working behind the scenes to lure Verstappen: “I believe Ferrari has made moves in that direction. As for whether he will come, I think his own words send a negative signal toward Ferrari.

"In recent months, there has been talk, even secret negotiations and driver swaps that never went anywhere, so anything is possible. I think Ferrari is trying. Every team wants the best driver, and right now, based on what he shows on track, regardless of the car’s performance, that driver is Verstappen.”