Binotto Hints at Verstappen-Ferrari Dream After Ecclestone's Warning

Max Verstappen to Ferrari: A Growing Speculation

Speculation is mounting over whether reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen could one day race for Ferrari. This comes after Verstappen received an unexpected embrace from the Tifosi at the Italian Grand Prix, sparking widespread debate among paddock insiders and F1 personalities.

Why it matters: Max Verstappen is currently F1's most dominant driver. A move to Ferrari, an iconic but championship-starved team since Kimi Räikkönen's 2007 title, would be a seismic shift, potentially defining a new era for both the driver and the Scuderia.

The big picture:

• Tifosi's Adoption: Despite Ferrari's struggle for a win this season, cheers erupted for Verstappen at Monza after he secured victory over McLaren. Sky pundit David Croft noted, "I love the fact that Tifosi... decided Max Verstappen was the one they wanted to adopt." He even heard an unofficial "Max Verstappen anthem" over the national anthems.
• Jos Verstappen's Comments: Max's father, Jos Verstappen, recently revealed that "Ferrari" was part of conversations regarding his son's F1 future, further fueling the rumors.
• Ralf Schumacher's View: Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes the Tifosi and Italian public "can already imagine that the fastest man on the track at the moment will soon be driving a Ferrari." He added that given Ferrari's current team principal Fred Vasseur and Max's personal situation, "they could be a great fit."

The counter-argument:

• Ecclestone's Warning: Not everyone agrees. Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone starkly warned that a move to Ferrari would "be the end of his career." He highlighted Ferrari's long title drought, despite fielding champions like Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, and now Lewis Hamilton.

Binotto's take:

• Former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto, now with Audi, called Max "the top driver" who "makes the difference." When asked if Verstappen would ever race for Ferrari, Binotto cryptically responded, "It's every driver's dream."

Verstappen's perspective:

• Verstappen's primary goal is winning, irrespective of the team.
• He acknowledged that "chances in life" exist for any decision but stated a Ferrari move is not "on the horizon" currently.
• While recognizing Ferrari as a "massive brand" that attracts drivers, he emphasized, "If I would ever want to go there, I don't go there just to drive for Ferrari, I go there because I see the opportunity to win." He added that winning with Ferrari would be "even better," but stressed not to be guided by "emotions and passion of a brand" alone.

What's next:

• Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull through the F1 2026 season. However, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has indicated that 2027 remains undecided, as Verstappen's contract includes performance clauses that could allow him to leave earlier if desired.