Verstappen eventually to end up at Ferrari? Why that is quite realistic

Not a Red Bull Racing, or even a Mercedes or Aston Martin driver. Ralf Schumacher suggested this week that Max Verstappen may actually become a Ferrari driver in the future. A realistic thought or not?

Max Verstappen already has a connection to Ferrari, albeit a modest one. As team owner of Verstappen Racing, the Dutchman supports Thierry Vermeulen who competes in a Ferrari 296 GT3 in DTM, a car the Formula 1 world champion has also tested himself at times. But as beautiful as a Ferrari 296 GT3 is, it is not Formula 1 car built by the iconic Italian constructor.

Lewis Hamilton is yet another top driver this year to have seen his dream come true as he is set to drive in F1 for the Scuderia. In the Briton's eyes too, Ferrari represents something magical; it is the Italian culture, the past successes, the top drivers who once raced in scarlet red, and certainly the passionate Tifosi.

Yet Max Verstappen has never spoken out loud about ever wanting to race for the legendary F1 team. Perhaps that is the down-to-earth Dutchman in him, who thinks about winning and wants to drive for the team that makes that possible. Who knows, maybe one day that will be Ferrari, in which case Verstappen will surely be interested.

Ralf Schumacher, whose brother Michael enjoyed great success with the Italians, indicated this week that he would not rule out Verstappen eventually making the move to the Scuderia one day. Anyone who thinks about this for a moment must conclude that this idea is not at all strange. After all, Ferrari is always aiming to have the best possible driver racing for them. For the Italian outfit now, that is icon Hamilton, but in two years' time - when the Briton's contract expires -, it might just be Verstappen.

Verstappen's high salary would also have to be covered by Ferrari. But as mentioned, Verstappen is looking at sporting opportunities rather than money. And it is fairly safe to say that Ferrari are more likely to be ahead of Red Bull in 2026 than vice versa. Ultimately, Red Bull are introducing their own power unit next season, something the team have zero experience with. A process of trial and error is likely to follow, and competing for the titles straight away is bound to be difficult.

Verstappen is in a luxury position in this respect. He does not have to leave Red Bull after next season. The smartest thing to do seems to be to look at the situation and continue racing for the Austrians in 2026. If Red Bull do manage to surprise the field with their hybrid engine, then he can simply stay. If Red Bull can't match their rivals, then a spot at Ferrari in 2027 could then be vacant. And for Ferrari, Verstappen would be Hamilton's dream successor.