Verstappen Won’t Rule Out Future Ferrari Move, But Says F1 Timeline Is Unclear
Max Verstappen Addresses Ferrari Transfer Speculation at Monza
MONZA, Italy — Max Verstappen says he can’t dismiss the possibility of a future switch to Ferrari, even as he remains unsure how long he plans to stay in Formula 1. Speaking amid heightened Formula 1 transfer rumors at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, the Red Bull star acknowledged the ongoing speculation around a potential Scuderia Ferrari move while keeping his long-term F1 timeline open.
The reigning champion’s future has been a persistent storyline this season. While he has publicly committed to Red Bull for at least 2026, his long-term plans remain open-ended despite a Red Bull Racing contract running through 2028. He spent much of the year linked with Mercedes in the F1 driver market, but his availability would command the attention of any top team with a seat to fill. With Lewis Hamilton contracted at Ferrari through the end of 2026, Verstappen acknowledged that a window to join the Scuderia could emerge later.
Verstappen Comments on Ferrari Prospects
Ahead of Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen said, as reported by Motorsport.com: “They have two drivers contracted for next year, so there is no discussion anyway. Now, is there a chance? Yes, there are a lot of chances in life for any kind of decision.
“Of course, at the moment that is not on the horizon, but who knows? I don't even know how long I'm driving in Formula 1, so there are still a lot of unknowns for me.
“It's always very difficult to know what is going to happen, right?”
Perspective on Driver Transitions
Verstappen has repeatedly indicated he may not compete beyond his current Red Bull deal. Meanwhile, Hamilton — whom Verstappen edged for the 2021 title — has endured a challenging start to life at Ferrari. Aside from a sprint victory in China earlier this year, Hamilton is still seeking his first Grand Prix podium with the team as he continues his transition to Ferrari alongside an entrenched teammate.
Verstappen cautioned against expecting instant success when drivers change environments, especially against entrenched teammates within a well-integrated team structure.
“I cannot look into how he [Hamilton] was operating at Mercedes, how he feels personally, what is going on also in the [Ferrari] team right now. I don't have any information on that.
“The thing is, he joined a team that already has a very strong driver with Charles [Leclerc], so it's never going to be easy to immediately go in there and start beating your teammate who is well integrated, knows the team very well, speaks the language.
“But these cars can be quite complicated at times to fully understand why you're quick or not, basically.”
Contract Considerations and Future Outlook
Speculation around Verstappen’s contract intensified due to a performance clause allowing an early exit if he sat fourth or lower at the summer break. He entered the break third, rendering any immediate Mercedes pursuit irrelevant and cooling short-term Formula 1 driver market chatter.
For now, Verstappen appears settled at Red Bull and sees no near-term pathway to Ferrari. But as he made clear, he’s not closing the door — on Maranello or on any future decision — even as his long-term F1 horizon remains deliberately uncertain, keeping the Max Verstappen to Ferrari rumors alive for future seasons.
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