Former Ferrari Star Eddie Irvine Warns Verstappen: 'Don't Make Hamilton's Mistake!'

Former Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine has issued a stark warning to Max Verstappen: do not delay a potential move to the Scuderia, or risk repeating what he sees as Lewis Hamilton's mistake of joining too late. Irvine believes Verstappen could miss his prime opportunity if he waits too long.

Why it matters:

This warning from an F1 veteran highlights the unique pressures and timing involved in a Ferrari move, especially given the team's long-standing championship drought. A potential shift by Verstappen, currently dominating with Red Bull, would be a seismic event in Formula 1, echoing Michael Schumacher's transformative switch decades ago.

The big picture:

Ferrari is widely considered a front-runner for Verstappen's services in 2027, particularly as new engine and chassis regulations kick in for 2026. While Verstappen can currently afford to assess the landscape, Irvine cautions against excessive hesitation. The discussion arises amid Lewis Hamilton's impending move to Ferrari in 2025, which Irvine views with skepticism due to Hamilton's age.

The details:

• Hamilton's Timing: Irvine suggests that at 40, Hamilton is "too old" for long-term success at Maranello, despite his seven world titles and lifelong desire to drive for Ferrari. "The problem with Lewis is that he came a bit too late," Irvine stated on RacingNews365. "He has seven world titles, but at Ferrari, time is running out. I hope Max doesn't wait that long."
• Schumacher's Precedent: Irvine points to Michael Schumacher's 1996 move from Benetton to Ferrari as a model. Schumacher "sacrificed a lot," potentially two more titles, to rebuild the Scuderia. This risk ultimately led to five consecutive world championships.
• Ferrari's Unique Challenges: Despite its global allure, Irvine notes Ferrari's isolation in Maranello compared to the dense automotive ecosystem benefiting British F1 teams.
• Verstappen's Potential Impact: Irvine believes a Verstappen arrival could parallel Schumacher's, attracting "top people" and elevating Ferrari to a new level, potentially ending their championship drought.

What's next:

Verstappen is currently contracted with Red Bull until the end of 2028. However, speculation about his future beyond 2026, especially concerning Ferrari, is likely to intensify as the new regulation cycle approaches. The decisions made in the coming year could define the next era of Formula 1.