Max Verstappen: I'd Only Join Ferrari If I Can Win, Not Just for the Brand

Max Verstappen has clarified his position on a potential move to Ferrari, stating that he would only consider joining the iconic team if it offers a clear path to victory, not merely for the brand's allure. This stance comes amidst Lewis Hamilton's challenging first season at Maranello.

Why it matters: Verstappen's comments highlight a significant shift in driver priorities. While Ferrari's prestige is undeniable, top drivers now prioritize a competitive car and winning potential above all else, especially with the high-stakes nature of modern Formula 1.

The big picture: Ferrari has historically been a team of immense pressure and expectation, a legacy established by founder Enzo Ferrari, who saw drivers as instruments for his machines' glory. This pressure cooker environment continues today, with team principal Fred Vasseur admitting he may have underestimated the challenge of integrating Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton has struggled to consistently outperform teammate Charles Leclerc, and the car's performance has been inconsistent.

What Max Verstappen said: When asked about joining Ferrari, Verstappen was clear:

• "They have two drivers contracted for next year, so there is no discussion anyway."
• "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."
• "If you win with Ferrari, that's even better. But 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."

The context: Verstappen emphasized the difficulty of integrating into a team with an already strong, well-established driver like Charles Leclerc, especially when the car itself presents complexities. This mirrors some of the challenges Hamilton is currently facing. Many drivers, captivated by Ferrari's mystique, have joined the team even when a winning car wasn't guaranteed, a path Verstappen explicitly rejects.

The bottom line: Verstappen's focus remains squarely on performance and championships. For Ferrari to attract a driver of his caliber, the team must consistently demonstrate it can provide a championship-winning package, rather than relying solely on its storied name.