Ecclestone Reflects on Verstappen's Future, Advised Ferrari Move Last Year

The future of four-time world champion Max VerstappenPlayer·Max Verstappen remains a prominent topic within the Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 paddock, with ongoing speculation surrounding his commitment to Red BullTeam·Red Bull amidst new technical regulations slated for 2026. Rumours persist regarding potential transfers to teams like McLarenTeam·McLaren, the possibility of extending his tenure with Red BullTeam·Red Bull, or even a departure driven by dissatisfaction with the impending rule changes.

Bernie EcclestoneCoach·Bernie Ecclestone, the former head of Formula 1Competition·Formula 1, recently returned to the paddock during the Austrian Grand PrixCompetition·Austrian Grand Prix to offer his perspective on the sport's current landscape, including the position of the Dutch driver. Ecclestone, who led the championship until its sale to Liberty Media in early 2017, has maintained no professional ties to the sport for nearly a decade.

“If I had a team now, the first thing I would want to do is sign Max at any cost,” Ecclestone stated. “Because it’s cheaper to have Max than to try and improve the car.”

When asked where he would encourage Verstappen to go to best showcase his talent, Ecclestone reflected on past considerations. “Last year I would have advised him to go to FerrariTeam·Ferrari,” he commented.

This retrospective view, however, stands in contrast to comments made by Ecclestone in August 2025. At that time, he publicly stated that a potential transfer of Verstappen to FerrariTeam·Ferrari “would be the end of Verstappen’s career” and expressed hope that such a move would not materialise. Furthermore, Max VerstappenPlayer·Max Verstappen himself confirmed in July 2025 his commitment to Red BullTeam·Red Bull for the 2026 season, effectively concluding immediate speculation about his team for that period. He later reaffirmed in May 2026 his intention to continue his career in Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 beyond 2026, preferring to stay with Red BullTeam·Red Bull but not rushing a final decision.

Verstappen is not the only figure Ecclestone has advised regarding a move to the Scuderia. Ecclestone also disclosed that he had discussed the matter with Christian HornerCoach·Christian Horner, the former Red BullTeam·Red Bull team principal. Horner was removed from his position nearly a year ago and has not been seen in the Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 paddock since.

“Christian is in a difficult position anyway,” Ecclestone added. “Wherever he goes, if he doesn’t succeed, people will say: ‘Ah, Christian, he was very good when he was at Red Bull with big budgets and things like that, and now you’re not winning because of that’ or something like that.”

“So it’s difficult for him. I talk to him quite often. Initially, I tried to convince him to try to be at Ferrari.” Despite his efforts to persuade Horner to consider a move to Italy, Ecclestone admitted he has “no idea” where the former Red Bull leader might ultimately find himself.