Max Verstappen’s Future at Ferrari: What We Can Expect in 2026

Max Verstappen, currently one of the biggest stars in Formula 1, has firmly cemented himself as a dominant force within Red Bull Racing, but with the new regulations set to shake up the sport in 2026, many are wondering if the Dutchman might eventually make a move to Ferrari. While Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull for the 2026 season is clear, his future beyond that remains uncertain. Could Ferrari be a potential destination? Let’s explore what Verstappen has said, the changing landscape in F1, and how the Scuderia could play a role in his future.

The State of Red Bull and Verstappen’s 2025 Outlook

Max Verstappen’s success with Red Bull is undeniable. The Dutch driver has been at the forefront of the team’s dominance, securing multiple championships. However, Red Bull’s performance in 2025 is shaping up to be less than stellar. Despite their historical success, they have struggled with the car’s performance, and Verstappen is no longer in the fight for the championship.

Amid the struggles in 2025, rumors began swirling about Verstappen potentially making a high-profile switch to Mercedes. This was fueled by the increasing belief that Mercedes would soon return to their winning ways, given their recent improvements. Verstappen, however, has confirmed that he will remain with Red Bull for the 2026 season, solidifying his place at the team for at least another year.

However, the 2026 regulations will bring massive changes to Formula 1, creating a fresh playing field for all teams. This is where Verstappen’s future becomes intriguing. With the sport set to experience a major shift in rules and car design, it is possible that Verstappen may look beyond Red Bull, assessing which team masters the changes first before making a long-term commitment.

Verstappen’s Comments on Ferrari

In recent interviews, Verstappen addressed the topic of a future move to Ferrari, acknowledging the possibility but also underlining the importance of Ferrari’s performance. The Dutchman explained that a move to Ferrari would only make sense if he saw a genuine opportunity to win. He emphasized that driving for Ferrari just for the sake of it would be a mistake. Verstappen stated:

“I don’t know. They definitely have two drivers for next year, so there are no discussions going on at the moment. Is there a chance? Yes, there’s always a chance in life for every decision. Of course, that’s not an issue right now, but who knows? Anyway, I don’t even know how much longer I’ll be driving in Formula 1, so there are still a lot of question marks for me. Ferrari is a huge brand and drivers naturally imagine I’d like to drive for Ferrari. But I think that’s also where the danger lies. Just driving for Ferrari is the mistake because if you want to drive for Ferrari, you really have to go there to win. If I ever wanted to go to Ferrari, it wouldn’t be just to drive for Ferrari. No, it would be because I see the opportunity to win there.”

Verstappen’s comments make it clear that, while Ferrari is a prestigious and highly regarded team in Formula 1, his decision would not be based purely on brand loyalty or sentiment. For Verstappen, any potential move to Ferrari would be contingent upon their ability to compete for race wins and championships.

The 2026 Regulations: A Game Changer for Ferrari?

The 2026 regulations are poised to transform Formula 1, with teams needing to adapt to a range of technical changes. These include lighter cars, new power units featuring an even split between electric and internal combustion engine power, and the use of 100% sustainable fuels. The new regulations are designed to make F1 more environmentally friendly, but they also offer teams a chance to reinvent themselves.

Among the most intriguing aspects of the 2026 rules is the overhaul of power units, with Mercedes expected to be one of the key players in this new era. Rumors have circulated that Mercedes might have a significant advantage with their 2026 power unit, but there is also growing speculation surrounding Ferrari’s progress in this area.

Despite rumors suggesting that Ferrari may be lagging behind its rivals in terms of development, the Scuderia’s efforts to catch up should not be underestimated. Racing News 365 recently reported that while Mercedes is perceived to be ahead, Ferrari has been quietly working behind the scenes to develop their power unit. The outlet noted that there were strategic leaks suggesting Ferrari was behind, a common tactic in F1 politics to influence both team morale and the wider engineering community.

The 2026 season will see many teams start from a more level playing field. Red Bull and Mercedes may have the edge in experience, but Ferrari’s ability to adapt to the new regulations could play a pivotal role in their future prospects. If Ferrari masters the new technical changes, Verstappen may well be tempted by the prospect of joining a team that has the capability to win again.

Will Verstappen Ever Join Ferrari?

At present, it seems unlikely that Verstappen will be heading to Ferrari in the short term. The Scuderia already has a strong driver lineup with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, and there are no current discussions surrounding Verstappen’s potential move. However, with the 2026 regulations, anything could change.

If Ferrari performs well in the early years of the 2026 era, with a competitive power unit and agile car design, they could position themselves as a legitimate contender for championships. This would likely open the door for top drivers like Verstappen to consider making a switch, particularly if Red Bull’s dominance starts to wane or if Verstappen’s own future goals shift.

Ferrari has long been seen as a “dream team” for many drivers, and Verstappen is no different. But as he pointed out, simply joining Ferrari would not be enough; he would only be interested in a move if it was a clear path to victory. While Verstappen has not closed the door on the possibility, he is pragmatic in his approach and knows that Ferrari’s performance in 2026 will be a deciding factor.

The Politics and Power Struggles of F1

It’s also worth considering the broader politics of Formula 1. As mentioned earlier, the top teams are constantly in a game of strategic positioning, and much of the technical staff is moving between the big three teams: Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari. This complex web of political maneuvering could lead to significant changes in staffing and technical development in the lead-up to 2026, which will undoubtedly have an impact on the performance of all teams.

Moreover, if Ferrari can attract top engineers and adapt quickly to the changes in F1, they could find themselves in a strong position when the 2026 season begins. With Red Bull possibly facing challenges in adapting to the new regulations, Ferrari’s ability to adapt could make them a serious contender in the coming years.

Conclusion: A Future Move to Ferrari?

Max Verstappen’s comments about Ferrari indicate that while he has an open mind about his future, he is not blindly pursuing a move to the Scuderia. His decision will ultimately depend on Ferrari’s ability to develop a competitive car under the new 2026 regulations. While Ferrari’s future in F1 looks promising, much will depend on how the team fares in the face of the upcoming changes.

If Ferrari can make the right moves and master the 2026 regulations, a potential move for Verstappen could be on the cards. However, for now, the Dutchman’s focus is firmly on Red Bull and the 2026 season, with the door to Ferrari remaining open but uncertain.

As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Ferrari to see if they can capitalize on the new rules and possibly become the team that will tempt Verstappen to make the ultimate switch. Until then, Verstappen’s future remains a subject of intrigue for F1 fans around the world.