Despite not having tasted success for 14 years, Ferrari still continues to be the most successful constructor in Formula 1. And hence, it is no surprise that some of the top drivers want to race for this team. The latest among the current racers is reigning Drivers’ Champion Max Verstappen.
However, since the Prancing Horse has not won the title for more than a decade, most F1 drivers have had reservations about moving to this team. And Verstappen is no different. Moreover, the Dutchman has often expressed his loyalty towards Red Bull as well.
While speaking in an interview back in 2016 (as quoted by ESPN), the 25-year-old said, “I’m very happy with Red Bull, so I don’t see any reason to change that. You also have to be loyal. They gave me the chance to start in Formula One. It was my dream and I’m very happy to be here“.
Verstappen’s loyalty definitely seems to have paid off as five years after he made these statements, he went on to win his maiden world championship with Red Bull. However, despite all this loyalty, Verstappen has admitted that one factor could convince him to move to rivals Ferrari sometime in the future.
“I want to be in the fastest car“: Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen currently has a long-term contract with Red Bull that ends at the end of the 2028 season. And considering the Dutchman’s remarks, he seems in no mood to end this partnership early.
While speaking to Sky Sports (as quoted by rossomotori.it), the 25-year-old said, “I think it would be difficult to leave with a dominant project“. Verstappen then added that he is often asked if he has a dream team, and that is when he praised Ferrari.
“I know Ferrari has a unique history in Formula 1. It’s a team it would be great to race for. However, I’ve always told myself that I just want to be in the fastest car,” explained the Dutch driver.
Verstappen’s statement seems to make it clear that the only way that Ferrari can convince him to move to their side is if they show signs that they can produce a quick car. And the team’s recent track record is undoubtedly worrisome as most drivers have left the team after being left frustrated.
Verstappen is critical to Red Bull’s success
While Max Verstappen may have suggested that he would be open to driving for Ferrari sometime in the future, Red Bull will undoubtedly try their best to keep hold of him. The Milton Keynes outfit has achieved tremendous success alongside the Dutchman over the last two years.
Verstappen kickstarted Red Bull’s recent era of dominance by winning the Drivers’ Championship in 2021 before defending it once again the season after. And along with the world championship, Verstappen also helped Red Bull win the Constructors’ Championship last season.
Since Verstappen has already helped Red Bull achieve so much success despite just being 25, the team will undoubtedly hope that he stays with them for a long time. Christian Horner, the team’s principal, also made some recent remarks where he suggested that he was grateful to have Verstappen on his side.
“Well, thankfully, his contract has many years to run on it, so we don’t see that (Verstappen quitting) as an imminent risk,” explained Horner in an interview with the media (as quoted by racingnews365.com).
