Max Verstappen is facing an uncertain future with Red Bull Racing. The Dutch driver and current world champion has not been able to outpace the McLarens this season and is far behind in the drivers’ standings. While he has committed his short-term future to Red Bull, speculation is rife regarding his next team. Some suggested a move to Aston Martin or Mercedes, but there is one team that he has been heavily linked with: Ferrari. Ferrari has struggled this season and is far adrift from the standards of excellence that the team has come to expect. Now Bernie Ecclestone has stated that if Verstappen were to join Ferrari, it would be the end of his career.
Verstappen does feel like a winner with Red Bull Racing this year
Red Bull has been a dominant force in Formula 1 for the past decade or so. They were transformed from a marketing idea into a full-fledged racing team, led by the now-ousted Christian Horner. Since deciding to make a serious go at Formula 1, the Red Bull team has lured several world champions to the team and become the envy of the smaller teams trying to score some points in Formula 1.
Max Verstappen is still the current world champion following an impressive performance last year. However, this year has been a very different experience for the four-time world champion. He has struggled to compete with the lightning-fast McLaren pair of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. As a result, his future has now become the subject of speculation.
Bernie Ecclestone has cautioned Max Verstappen against a move to Ferrari
Bernie was the head of Formula 1 for a very long time and still serves as a voice in the Formula 1 world that carries some weight. Verstappen’s current contract with Red Bull comes to an end in 2028. Some have speculated that he might opt to make a move to another team before his contract runs out. That would all depend on how Red Bull does next season.
The 2026 season will see new rules and regulations that the teams need to consider. Changes in the car’s drivetrain have forced the Formula 1 teams to redesign their cars to meet the stringent regulations. Not to mention that the engine needs to be powered by 50% sustainable fuels. Bernie has now come out to state his opinion on how Verstappen’s future might look away from Red Bull.
“If he goes to Ferrari, that would be the end of his career. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. He can always turn a good team into a winning team. – Bernie Ecclestone
Red Bull is looking to make a significant change in the not-too-distant future. The focus seems to be for new boss Laurent Mekies to find a young driver to mold into the next Formula 1 champion and challenge the dominance of the papaya colored cars.
“You have to choose an up-and-coming driver. I would take the Brazilian 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.” – – Bernie Ecclestone on Ferrari’s next driver
Is there a future for Max Verstappen with Ferrari, or will Hamilton stay put
Hamilton has faced a torrid time behind the wheel of Ferrari’s Formula 1 car following his high-profile move to the team from Maranello. He still has time to turn things around this year and has stated that he believes in his ability to make a comeback with Ferrari. Verstappen is clearly not comfortable with the current situation at Red Bull, but he has been a part of the team for many years now and will surely be hoping to find a solution to the issues that the team from Milton Keynes has been facing.
