F1: Max Verstappen confirms talks with Scuderia Ferrari "I would go because I see an opportunity to win".

For several months now, rumours of a rapprochement between Max Verstappen and the Scuderia Ferrari is coming back in waves, fuelled by confidences, public statements and above all by the still uncertain future of the four-time world champion beyond his contract with Red Bull. In Zandvoort, as in Monza, the question was on everyone's lips: what if Verstappen were to join Scuderia Ferrari one day?

Discussions exist... but nothing concrete

Jos Verstappen, Max's father and advisor, recently acknowledged having had "informal discussions" with Ferrari management. Exchanges that could have involved John Elkann or even Piero Ferrari, but did not result in a firm offer. Enough to revive speculation, especially as Verstappen's future after 2026 remains open.

While Mercedes seemed the most credible option, Ferrari is now entering the equation. But the obstacles are obvious: Charles Leclerc is on a long-term contract, and Lewis Hamilton, recruited in 2025 on a multi-year deal, looks set to stay until 2027.

Verstappen: no question of going for passion

At Monza, Max Verstappen himself gave a clear answer to these rumors to journalist Roberto Chinchero from Motorsport. While he understands the fascination aroused by the Prancing Horse marque, he refuses to be guided by passion alone:

"Ferrari is a very big brand, and of course all drivers say to themselves: 'I'd like to drive for Ferrari'. But I think that's also where the mistake lies, just wanting to drive for Ferrari. If you want to drive for Ferrari, you want to win. So if I ever wanted to go one day, I wouldn't go just to say I drive for Ferrari, I'd go because I see an opportunity to win."

A measured speech, true to the image of a pragmatic Verstappen, more attached to performance than symbols.

A possible window in 2028?

In the short term, the Dutchman's arrival at Maranello seems unlikely. Leclerc and Hamilton have secured their seats until 2027. But from 2028 onwards, the cards could be reshuffled, just when Red Bull will have to confirm its competitiveness under the new regulations.

In the meantime, Verstappen isn't ruling out anything, not even leaving F1 to explore other disciplines such as endurance racing. "I don't even know how long I'm going to stay in Formula 1," he confided, pointing out that he's already getting tired of the sport's "circus".

These "informal discussions" with Ferrari can be interpreted in two ways: as a real opening towards a red future, or as a way of putting pressure on Red Bull for 2026. In either case, the message is clear: Verstappen is already looking beyond his current contract and does not rule out a radical change.