F1 Legend Claims Ferrari Pursuing Max Verstappen

Former F1 manager Giancarlo Minardi suggests Ferrari has initiated contact to secure Max Verstappen, amidst ongoing speculation about the reigning world champion's future. Minardi believes Ferrari has "made moves" in this direction, though he notes Verstappen's public comments indicate a primary focus on winning, which could be a challenging signal for the Scuderia.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen, currently dominant with Red Bull, is the most sought-after driver on the grid. A potential move to Ferrari would represent a seismic shift in Formula 1, reshaping the competitive landscape and reigniting one of the sport's most iconic rivalries. The rumors highlight the intense competition among top teams to secure the best talent.

The details:

• Minardi told motorsport.it, "I believe Ferrari has made moves in that direction." He added that Verstappen's emphasis on joining a team "because I want to win" sends a "quite negative signal toward Ferrari" regarding their current competitive standing.
• He also mentioned "secret negotiations" and driver swap rumors that frequently circulate in the paddock.
• Minardi criticized Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff's recent comments, where Wolff praised Verstappen's performance at Monza while downplaying his own driver's efforts. Minardi interpreted this as another indication that every team, including Mercedes, desires Verstappen's talent.
• Verstappen himself addressed the speculation, stating that while Ferrari is a "massive brand," any potential move would be solely driven by the opportunity to win, not by the prestige of the Maranello team. "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. And if you win with Ferrari, that's even better."
• He emphasized the importance of rational decision-making over emotional attachment to a brand, stating, "you shouldn't let yourself get guided just because of the emotions and passion of a brand. You need to go there because you feel that is the right place to go."

What's next:

Verstappen acknowledged that the new regulations slated for next year could significantly "mix up the whole grid again," implying that future performance dynamics will heavily influence his career decisions. While he hasn't closed the door on Ferrari, his conditions for joining are clear: a proven path to championship contention.