Ex-F1 driver hints Max Verstappen could move to Ferrari in near future

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher asserted that Ferrari might keep the door open for Max Verstappen in the long term.

Ex-F1 driver hints Max Verstappen could move to Ferrari in near future

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Max Verstappen has been the face of Red Bull Racing for almost a decade. However, rumors have emerged that the Dutchman could jump ship to a rival team. Now, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has reckoned that even Ferrari would be willing to poach the 27-year-old.

The reigning world champion was believed to be on the radar of Aston Martin, with rumors of a $1.2 billion offer. Moreover, Mercedes has expressed its interest in signing Verstappen for 2026. Max Verstappen does have an exit clause which could facilitate such a move.

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Ralf Schumacher claimed that the longer he ponders, Aston Martin becomes a more realistic place for Max Verstappen. However, the German refused to rule out Scuderia Ferrari despite Lewis Hamilton’s Maranello arrival this year.

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the longer he stays at Red Bull, maybe Ferrari? Don’t forget them either.

Ralf Schumacher told Sky Germany

Max Verstappen might be too expensive for Mercedes

Schumacher pointed out that Max Verstappen would not be a cheap driver for any team, including Mercedes. He reckoned that the high cost of getting the Dutchman onboard might make the current line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli more viable for Toto Wolff in the long run.

George Russell and Max Verstappen's verbal altercation (via IMAGO)
George Russell and Max Verstappen’s verbal altercation (via IMAGO)

I also ask myself the financial question, Max Verstappen is not very cheap either. If they have two drivers who work, then that (keeping Russell and Antonelli from a cost point of view) could be an option.

Ralf Schumacher stated

Certainly, Verstappen would be a figure of interest for all top teams including Ferrari and Mercedes. However, the F1 star will likely continue with Red Bull if he gets a capable car this season. As such, the orange army would be hoping that the Dutch driver can successfully battle for a fifth title in a row this season.