Verstappen Sets Clear Condition for 'Ferrari Dream': Winning

Max Verstappen has clarified that his 'Ferrari dream' is contingent on one clear condition: the opportunity to win. While acknowledging Ferrari's iconic status, the Dutchman emphasized that simply driving for the Scuderia is not enough; victory must be the primary goal.

Why it matters:

Ferrari is Formula 1's most successful team, boasting 248 victories, and many drivers aspire to race for them. However, Verstappen, who is committed to Red Bull Racing until the 2026 season, prioritizes competitive success over brand prestige.

The big picture:

Verstappen believes that the mistake many drivers make is being guided solely by the emotion and passion of the Ferrari brand rather than a genuine belief in their winning potential.

• "If you want to drive for Ferrari, you want to win," Verstappen told GPblog.
• "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 also hinted at the potential impact of the new regulations coming into effect next year, which could "mix up the whole grid again," suggesting future opportunities might arise from performance shifts.

Hamilton's challenges at Ferrari:

Verstappen also commented on Lewis Hamilton's current struggles at Ferrari, where the Briton is yet to score a Grand Prix podium, despite a Sprint race win.

• Verstappen acknowledged he lacks insight into Hamilton's personal feelings or team dynamics.
• He noted that Hamilton joined a team with a "very strong driver" in Charles Leclerc, who is well-integrated, knows the team, and speaks the language.
• "These cars can be quite complicated at times to fully understand why you're quick or not, basically," Verstappen added, highlighting the complexity of adapting to new machinery.