In the ever-changing world of Formula 1, rumors of driver changes always generate excitement, but few have as much impact as a possible alliance between Max Verstappen and Ferrari. The reigning world champion, known for his dominance at Red Bull, sparked speculation by agreeing to join the legendary Italian team, on one clear condition: he would only do so if Ferrari offered him a car with which he could fight for victories and championships. These statements, made in the run-up to the Italian Grand Prix, not only captivated fans but also cast doubt on Lewis Hamilton’s stability at Ferrari, where the seven-time world champion is still trying to establish himself after his arrival in 2025.

Verstappen, who won four consecutive world championships with Red Bull between 2021 and 2024, is no stranger to rumors surrounding his future. Although he is contractually tied to Red Bull until 2028, the team’s recent struggles, which have lost ground to McLaren and Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship, have fueled speculation about a possible move. In an interview ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen spoke candidly about the possibility of wearing Ferrari red: “Ferrari is a huge brand. Every driver imagines driving for them one day. But it’s not just about driving for Ferrari. If I ever achieve that, it won’t be just out of passion for the brand, but because I see a chance to win. Winning with Ferrari is even better.” These words reflect a pragmatic mindset where sporting success trumps the romanticism of the Maranello legend.

Ferrari, for its part, has not won a drivers’ title since 2007, the year Kimi Raikkonen won. Since then, drivers like Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc, and now Lewis Hamilton have tried to bring the Scuderia back to the top, so far without success. Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari in 2025 was met with high expectations, but his first season has been mixed. With results that left him behind teammate Leclerc and far from the championship leaders, Hamilton has faced widespread criticism and expressed frustration. At the Hungarian Grand Prix, for example, he said: “I’m rubbish, absolutely rubbish. The team has no problems, the car was on pole. They should probably change the driver.” These comments, although made in the heat of the moment, have fueled doubts about his future with the team.

The contrast between Verstappen and Hamilton’s careers is striking. While the Dutchman has demonstrated an almost supernatural ability to fully exploit the performance of his Red Bull – even in the 2024 season, when the RB20 wasn’t the dominant car – Hamilton is struggling to adapt to the Ferrari SF-25. Formula 1 journalist Ian Parkes stated on the RacingNews365 podcast that Hamilton is “completely lost” when it comes to the car’s balance – a weakness that could be exploited if Ferrari were to consider a driver change. In this context, Verstappen’s talk of a possible move to Ferrari takes on even greater significance.

Verstappen, however, appears to be in no rush to leave Red Bull. In the same interview, he emphasized his commitment to the team that brought him to the top: “At the moment, I’m happy at Red Bull. My focus is on returning to racing and fighting for second place in the Constructors’ Championship in 2025.” He added an interesting note about the future, however: “In 2026, with the new technical regulations, I will assess the situation and decide what the best position is for me.” These comments suggest that Verstappen is keeping all options open, especially in the face of the introduction of new regulations that could shake up Formula 1’s competitive landscape.

The possibility of Verstappen moving to Ferrari raises some intriguing questions. On the one hand, his move could put an end to Hamilton’s time at the Scuderia, especially if the Briton fails to improve his performance. Ferrari already boasts Charles Leclerc as a pillar of the team, and the Leclerc-Verstappen combination would undoubtedly be one of the most feared lines on the grid. However, managing two elite drivers would not be without its challenges. As Verstappen pointed out, “Ferrari already has a world-class driver duo.” This could be interpreted as a nod to Leclerc and Hamilton, but also as a warning: any move requires a clear team strategy.

On the other hand, Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull would not be easy. Team principal Christian Horner has repeatedly reiterated his desire to keep the Dutchman despite internal tensions hanging over the 2025 season. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko expressed his concern at the Bahrain Grand Prix: “If we don’t make progress quickly, we risk losing Max. We need to provide him with a competitive car so he can fight for the championship.” These comments reflect the pressure on Red Bull to retain its star driver, especially as teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, and even Aston Martin have expressed interest in his services.

Ferrari’s interest in Verstappen is nothing new. The Scuderia has been following his career closely since his time at Toro Rosso, and his reputation as one of the fastest drivers in history, praised by the likes of Jenson Button and Jackie Stewart, makes him a prime target. Button said in 2019: “I think Max is the fastest driver to ever drive a Formula 1 car.” Stewart, meanwhile, pointed out in 2021 that, even though Verstappen is still at the beginning of his career, his talent is undeniable. These opinions reinforce the hypothesis that Verstappen would be a valuable asset to any team, including Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, is going through a critical period in his career. At 40, the Briton has already shown early signs of his talent, including victories at Silverstone and Belgium in 2024, but his move to Ferrari has not lived up to expectations. Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle is optimistic about his future: “I expect Lewis to win more than one race with Ferrari in 2025.” However, if Verstappen decides to join Maranello, the pressure on Hamilton could become unbearable.

The Italian Grand Prix, held at the legendary Monza circuit, added fuel to the fire. Verstappen dominated both Ferrari drivers in qualifying, securing third place on the grid, while Hamilton and Leclerc finished fifth and seventh respectively. This result underscored not only the Dutchman’s competitiveness, but also Ferrari’s struggles on home soil. Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, was frank about Ferrari’s expectations at Monza: “It won’t be enough.” Such criticism could prompt the Scuderia to consider radical changes for 2026.

In short, the possibility of Max Verstappen returning to Ferrari has captured the imagination of Formula 1 fans. His status as a contender for victories and championships reflects his ambition and unwavering determination, while Lewis Hamilton’s situation at Ferrari adds to the excitement. With the 2026 regulations imminent, the futures of both drivers are uncertain. Will Verstappen be the next to wear the Ferrari red jersey and triumph? Only time will tell, but for now, Formula 1 remains a spectacle of speed, strategy, and surprises.