‘Verstappen to Ferrari’ Ex-Boss contradicts Ecclestone – The former Ferrari team principal has offered a contrasting view to Bernie Ecclestone regarding the long-term future of Max Verstappen. In an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Giornale, Binotto claimed that every Formula One driver dreams of driving for Ferrari at some point in their career and that this is no different for the reigning triple world champion.
His comments follow Ecclestone’s public warning to Verstappen earlier this year against ever joining Ferrari, suggesting that such a move would damage the Dutchman’s career. These contrasting perspectives highlight the enduring mystique of Ferrari in Formula One and the ongoing debate about whether the Scuderia is still the ultimate destination for top drivers in the modern era.
Binotto’s view of Verstappen
In the interview, Binotto was asked to name his top three drivers on the current Formula One grid. He did not hesitate in placing Verstappen on a pedestal above all others.
“There is one top driver: Max. He makes the difference,” the Italian explained.
For Binotto, Verstappen stands out not only because of his speed, but also because of the way he consistently makes the most of the machinery at his disposal.
When asked whether he thought Verstappen might one day race for Ferrari, Binotto gave a clear answer: ‘That is the dream of every driver.”
In other words, Binotto sees Ferrari as the ultimate team for any driver, regardless of their current loyalties or success elsewhere.
This statement reinforces the long-held view in Maranello that Ferrari is not just another team on the grid, but an institution in the sport. It is a place where drivers seek to measure themselves against the weight of history and the passion of the tifosi, even if recent results have often fallen short of expectations.
Ecclestone: A different perspective
However, Bernie Ecclestone has a very different perspective. Earlier this year, the former Formula One boss was quoted as saying that a switch to Ferrari would be disastrous for Verstappen’s career: “If he goes to Ferrari, it would be the end of his career. Let us hope that does not happen,” he stated.
His words reflect the belief that Ferrari’s current organisational struggles and inconsistent performance could trap Verstappen in a similar situation to that experienced by other top drivers who made the leap at the wrong time. Despite Ferrari’s enduring allure, the team has now gone more than fifteen years without winning the drivers’ championship, raising questions over whether it can provide the conditions necessary for sustained success.
Verstappen’s current stance
For now, he has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Red Bull Racing in the near future. During the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, he confirmed that he will continue with the team in 2025, reiterating his commitment to the project that has delivered him three consecutive world titles.
At the same time, however, Verstappen’s camp has never ignored Ferrari entirely. His father, Jos Verstappen, has previously acknowledged that they keep one eye on developments in Maranello, knowing that circumstances in Formula One can change quickly. For a driver of Verstappen’s calibre, doors rarely stay closed permanently.
The Hamilton example
One of the most recent examples of a high-profile driver switching to Ferrari is Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion chose to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari in 2025, taking over the seat vacated by Carlos Sainz.
However, Hamilton’s start with the Scuderia has not been smooth. To date, he has failed to secure a podium finish or a race victory in his debut season. Following the challenging Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton described himself as ‘useless’, highlighting that even the most accomplished drivers can face difficulties when adapting to Ferrari’s unique environment.
This adds weight to Ecclestone’s warning that even the best drivers cannot guarantee immediate success when moving to Maranello. The Ferrari badge carries immense prestige, but also immense pressure, and the results have not always matched expectations.
Is the Ferrari dream a myth or a reality?
Ultimately, the debate between Binotto and Ecclestone centres on whether Ferrari remains the dream destination it once was. For Binotto, the answer is straightforward. Ferrari represents the pinnacle of Formula One: the team where every driver wants to race, regardless of era or circumstance.
However, Ecclestone highlights the dangers of romanticising the red car too much. In his view, Ferrari’s struggles to win championships in the modern era should make drivers cautious, particularly those already enjoying success elsewhere.
Both perspectives carry weight. The Ferrari brand is unmatched in terms of its history, fanbase and role in the sport. For many drivers, simply racing for the team fulfils a lifelong dream. Yet Formula One is also a results-driven business, and recent evidence shows that Ferrari has struggled to deliver consistent success, leaving even legendary drivers frustrated.
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What might the future hold?
For Verstappen, the situation is particularly interesting. At just 27 years old, he has already won multiple world championships and is still at the peak of his powers. His relationship with Red Bull remains strong, and the team continues to provide him with machinery capable of winning championships. Therefore, there is no sporting incentive for him to leave at present.
However, the trajectory of Formula One is rarely predictable. Regulatory changes, shifting team dynamics and unforeseen developments could alter the competitive order in a short space of time. If Red Bull were to falter, Ferrari could one day emerge as an appealing alternative, especially if it can prove that it has rediscovered its ability to consistently compete at the top level.
The allure of the Scuderia remains undeniable, and history suggests that few drivers can resist contemplating what it would mean to wear the famous red overalls. Whether Verstappen will eventually join that list remains to be seen, but Binotto’s words remind us that the idea is still alive, even if Ecclestone urges caution.
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