Max Verstappen emphasized that he will only participate in Ferrari if he offers a genuine opportunity to win, not just because of the charm of the iconic Italian team.
Verstappen spent his entire Formula 1 career within the Red Bull family.
Verstappen was a huge success with Red Bull, winning four consecutive Formula 1 driver titles, but he will soon need to consider his future.
Verstappen committed to Red Bull in 2026 and announced his intention to stay with the team ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
However, Dutchman has been deeply connected to Mercedes for the past 12 months.
New rules that will take effect next year could have a major impact on the hierarchy.
The new technology regulations highlight power units that will be implemented with sustainable fuel next year.
Red Bull operated its own power unit for the first time in 2026 and launched the Red Bull Powertrain in collaboration with Ford.
If Red Bull has another difficult season, Verstappen could be seduced to leave them and join Mercedes.
Ferrari has Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton locked up in a multi-year deal.
At 40, Hamilton was the second oldest driver on the grid, and another poor year in 2026 could have seduced him to retire.
Speaking at Monza on Thursday, Verstappen declared that he would only be interested in driving a Ferrari if he could win.
“I think Ferrari is a huge brand,” he said. “All the drivers, they look, they imagine themselves there, ‘I want to drive for a Ferrari.” But I think that’s where mistakes come just to drive for a Ferrari.
“If I want to go there, if I don’t go there just to drive for a Ferrari, I’ll go there because I see the opportunity to win.
“And if you win at Ferrari, that’s even better. And I think it’s a place where you shouldn’t lead yourself for the emotions and passion of the brand, you need to go there because you feel it’s the right place.”
For Hamilton, “it’s never going to be easy.”
Max Verstappen was also asked about Hamilton’s struggle.
The seven-time world champion has not finished on the podium in his first 15 races at Ferrari.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
Verstappen acknowledged the challenge that Hamilton must oppose Leclerc, given its “well integrated” with Ferrari.
“They have two drivers signed next year, so there’s no discussion anyway,” Verstappen added.
“Now, are there opportunities? Yes, there are many opportunities in life for all kinds of decisions.
“Of course, it’s not on the horizon at the moment, but who knows? I don’t even know how much time I’m driving in Formula 1.
“It’s always very difficult to know what’s going to happen, right? I can’t find out how he (Hamilton) was active at Mercedes or how he personally feels.
“The problem is, he’s already joined a team with Charles (Leclerc) and a very strong driver, so it’s never easy to go there right away and beat a well-integrated teammate.
“But these cars can get very complicated at times to get a full understanding of whether you’re basically quick or not.”