28/08/2025 10:10
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes Max Verstappen moving
to Ferrari would be a career killer for the Dutchman. The four-time
F1 drivers' champion is contracted to Red Bull until the end of
2028, but has been closely linked with a move away from the Milton
Keynes team. Although most speculation has centred on Mercedes and
Aston Martin, he could find himself on Ferrari's radar for 2027, if
Lewis Hamilton does not pick up his option with the Italian team
for a third season in red. If the Scuderia starts the next F1
regulations cycle well, a switch to Maranello could be an
attractive proposition to Verstappen. However, Ecclestone has
implored him not to consider joining the Prancing Horse. "If he
goes to Ferrari, that would be the end of his career," the
94-year-old told Sport.de . "Let's hope that doesn't happen." The
British business magnate feels Verstappen possesses enough ability
to turn a good situation into a winning one, adding: "He can always
turn a good team into a winning team." Hamilton has struggled since
joining the Scuderia, and Ecclestone has been vocal with his
opinion on the matter. He is adamant that now is the time for the
seven-time F1 drivers' champion to step away from the series, and
appears concerned that Verstappen would befall a similar fate at
Ferrari. Instead, he would like to see the team opt for an exciting
youthful talent, but interestingly did not mention Haas driver
Ollie Bearman, who was a member of the Ferrari driver academy and
is widely considered next in line. Ecclestone prefers fellow F1
rookies Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar, both of whom have
heavily impressed over the first 14 rounds of the campaign. "You
have to choose an up-and-coming driver," he explained when
addressing potential future team-mates for Charles Leclerc. "I
would take the Brazilian Bortoleto, who I think will be very good,
or Isack Hadjar. "Bortoleto will do the job. Put him in the right
car and you'll see."
