Verstappen to Porsche? Horner Linked to Ferrari Role

Max Verstappen's GT3 team, Verstappen.com Racing, is reportedly considering a switch from Ferrari to Porsche, potentially aligning with the German manufacturer's dominant 911 GT3-R. Meanwhile, Red Bull's Christian Horner is rumored to be a top contender to take over Ferrari's F1 operation, as pressure mounts on current team principal Frédéric Vasseur.

Why it matters:

These rumors could signal significant shifts in Formula 1's competitive landscape and team management. Verstappen's potential alignment with Porsche in GT3 racing might hint at future F1 collaborations or a broader strategic move. For Ferrari, a change in leadership with someone of Horner's stature could be a game-changer for their long-term F1 ambitions.

The Details:

• Verstappen to Porsche?: Verstappen.com Racing, currently campaigning Ferrari GT3 cars, is reportedly exploring a switch to Porsche. The Porsche 911 GT3-R is widely regarded as the fastest car in the GT3 category.
  • Meetings Reported: Sources indicate that a meeting between Verstappen and Porsche representatives may have already occurred.
  • Porsche's Response: When contacted, Porsche issued a statement that did not confirm or deny the rumors, maintaining a neutral stance.
• Horner to Ferrari?: According to F1-Insider, Ferrari President John Elkann is reportedly re-evaluating Frédéric Vasseur's position as team principal.
  • Horner as Top Choice: With Christian Horner expected to be available for any team from spring 2026, Elkann is said to view the former Red Bull boss as his primary candidate to lead Ferrari into the new regulatory era.
  • Vasseur's Uncertain Future: The reports suggest Vasseur's future at the Scuderia is increasingly uncertain amid the team's ongoing performance challenges.

The Big Picture:

Both stories reflect a period of potential turbulence and strategic maneuvering in top-tier motorsport. For Verstappen, a move to Porsche in GT3 could be purely performance-driven, or it could be a precursor to deeper ties, especially with Porsche's past interest in F1. For Ferrari, the pursuit of Horner indicates a strong desire to bring in proven leadership to steer the team back to championship contention, a goal that has eluded them for many years.

What's Next:

• Verstappen's GT3 Decision: A formal announcement regarding Verstappen.com Racing's GT3 manufacturer choice is expected in the coming months, which could shed more light on the extent of any Porsche involvement.
• Ferrari's Leadership: The pressure on Vasseur is likely to intensify, with speculation surrounding Horner's potential arrival set to dominate headlines as Ferrari navigates its F1 season and plans for the future. The 2026 regulations loom large, making leadership stability and strategic direction critical.