Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has been in such scintillating form over the past few seasons that he is clearly the most in-demand driver on the circuit.
The Dutchman has finally been able to deliver on the promise and potential that Red Bull saw in him when they recruited him as a 17-year-old.
With Verstappen also known to be a close friend of Ferrari driver Charles Lecerc, the prospect of a ‘dream partnership’ at the Prancing Horse has also often been a topic of speculation.
Now, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has confessed that he would “never say never” on the opportunity of roping Verstappen in, especially after the Dutchman himself said some kind words about the team and its overall appeal.
Verstappen was so rampant over the course of the 2023 season that it was clear very early on in the campaign that he would pick up the drivers’ championship.
While Verstappen has spent his entire F1 career in the Red Bull family, some may argue that it is entirely possible for him to stay at the same team till he retires.
However, his latest comments on Ferrari may give you reason to doubt this point of view.
Speaking with Sportweek, Verstappen said: “It [Ferrari] has an incredible history in this sport and is a great opponent to compete against. When my current contract expires I will be 31 years old and I think I can still do well.”
Vasseur almost seemed buoyed by Verstappen’s enthusiasm, claiming that there is no team that would not be keen to have him in its ranks.
“I think that if you ask the 10 team principals on the grid, everybody would be pleased to welcome Max into the team,” said Vasseur.
Vasseur knows that Verstappen is currently contracted at Red Bull till 2028, but Vasseur didn’t rule out the possibility of bringing in Verstappen once he is open to exploring other options.
“Never say never,” he said.
Verstappen will once again start the 2024 season as the favourite to notch four successive world championships, with Red Bull expected to be dominant till new regulations come into effect.