Verstappen at Ferrari? 'Max goes to the Scuderia only then'

12:08, 23 Aug
0 Comments

Could Max Verstappen join Ferrari as Lewis Hamilton's successor? James Hinchcliffe does not rule out the Dutchman choosing the Italian team if he leaves Red Bull Racing.

For Formula 1 purists, it's a combination to savor: Max Verstappen, the best driver of his generation, with the iconic Ferrari - the most successful team in the sport ever. James Hinchcliffe would certainly like the combination, but doubts whether Verstappen would join the Italians out of nostalgia.

Does Verstappen have the Ferrari fever?

"I think what's interesting about Max, and this is a bit of a guess, but I don't think that he has the sort of passion that a lot of drivers have for the brand of Ferrari," the Canadian analyst begins in an exclusive interview with GPblog.

“The history of that team, wanting to be the next one to win a world championship for them. I don't think Max shares that. I think Max just wants the best car."

si202508030355
Which team has the best chance of getting Max Verstappen in '27?

“If the Mercedes is the best car, that's where Max wants to go. If the Ferrari is the best car, that's where Max wants to go. It's not emotional for him," says the former IndyCar driver.

Who can attract Verstappen?

It is conceivable that Ferrari - for example to replace Lewis Hamilton - tries to attract Verstappen. How could they convince him? Hinchcliffe says: “Every team on the grid is just trying to make the fastest car. And whoever does that will have the best chance at Max's services."

"So if your goal is to get Max to drive your car, it's really simple how you do it. It's hard to do, but what you have to do in theory is simple."

If Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull Racing after 2026, then according to Hinchcliffe, Mercedes and Ferrari are very realistic options for the Dutchman.

"I think those are two very realistic options. And I think it's going to come down to who nails, especially the power unit side, those are two kind of touted as being the leaders right now."

"So there's a good chance one of those two will have the best and then you kind of go from there."