Despite Max Verstappen confirming his immediate future at Red Bull Racing, Formula 1 'supremo' Bernie Ecclestone has identified one move that could spell the end of the Dutch driver’s career: joining Scuderia Ferrari. Ecclestone, 94, urged the four-time world champion against such a move.
Why it matters
Ecclestone's warnings carry significant weight in the F1 world, highlighting the high stakes in a driver's career decisions. His direct quote underscores a strong belief about the challenges at Ferrari for a top driver like Verstappen.
The big picture
Verstappen has had a challenging 2025 season so far, securing only two race victories through the first 14 races. This uncharacteristic performance fueled widespread speculation about his future with the Milton Keynes team, despite his long-standing success with Red Bull.
Verstappen's response
- During the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, Max Verstappen firmly shut down rumors concerning his immediate future.
- He detailed how his sights had always been set on racing for the Red Bull outfit for the upcoming season.
- Verstappen stressed the necessity of addressing the growing talks that had permeated the Formula 1 community.
- The Hungarian GP marked Verstappen’s 200th race with the team, a journey that began with a victory at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
Ecclestone's specific warning
In an interview, Ecclestone stated: "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."
What's next
Max Verstappen remains committed to Red Bull Racing, aiming to overcome the team's current challenges and return to his dominant form. His focus is on his current team, dismissing external pressures and rumors.