Max Verstappen has declared that he wouldn’t contemplate going to Ferrari in Formula 1 unless he was convinced that he could win the championship with the team.
Red Bull’s dwindling competitiveness rekindled reports that Verstappen could leave when it was disclosed that his camp had been in renewed contact with Mercedes.
But while Verstappen has since announced he will be remaining at Red Bull, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff indicated that discussions were not restricted to a 2026 move.
READ MORE – Mercedes talks with Max Verstappen not limited to discussion over F1 move for 2026
However, Jos Verstappen has suggested that Mercedes would not be the sole team in contention to obtain his son’s signature should he choose to part with Red Bull.
“It is not that we have talked about it a lot just this year,” Verstappen Snr told Viaplay. “This year, however, a little more than in previous years.
“So it was true, but there is also a lot of nonsense that goes along with the rumours. But we are also talking about Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull.
“It is logical. Max and I are discussing the possible options, and it is the three big teams, apart from McLaren, that can welcome him.”
Verstappen opens up on potential Ferrari move
The prestige associated with Ferrari and the allure that comes with representing the brand on a global stage have continued to entice drivers, despite its title drought.
But Verstappen, who has said that he does not intend to remain in the sport long-term, has insisted that alone would not be enough to draw him to the Italian marque.
“I think Ferrari is a massive brand,” he told media including Motorsport Week. “All the drivers, they see and they picture themselves there, ‘I would like to drive for Ferrari.’
“But I think that’s also where the mistake comes, just to drive for Ferrari.
“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.
“That’s where you shouldn’t let yourself get guided just because of the emotions and passion of a brand, you need to go there because you feel that is the right place to go.”
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