Former Ferrari Driver Urges Max Verstappen To Join Ferrari Before Career Late Stage

Eddie Irvine, former Ferrari driver, has urged reigning four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen to consider joining Ferrari, drawing parallels between Verstappen and Michael Schumacher, who transformed Ferrari into a dominant team. Irvine warned Verstappen not to delay the move, citing Lewis Hamilton's late switch to Ferrari at age 40 as a cautionary tale that hindered Hamilton's success with the team. Despite Verstappen's contract with Red Bull through 2028 and recent emphases on performance as his main criterion for changing teams, Irvine believes Verstappen could bring key personnel and rejuvenate Ferrari's competitiveness, much like Schumacher did. Verstappen recently celebrated a commanding victory at the Italian Grand Prix, where he was warmly received by Ferrari fans, highlighting his popularity among the Tifosi. Meanwhile, Verstappen is also branching out by attempting to compete in endurance racing at the Nürburgring, underscoring his passion for motorsport beyond F1. While Ferrari currently has Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc contracted through 2026, Verstappen's future with Red Bull could be reconsidered if performance declines, leaving the door open for a potential Ferrari switch.