Ralf Schumacher tells Max Verstappen why Ferrari are now a better ‘fit’ than Mercedes if he leaves Red Bull

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The future of Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has been one of the most hotly discussed topics in the Formula 1 paddock this season.

For now, Max Verstappen is expected to race for Red Bull during the 2026 Formula 1 season.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Verstappen’s Red Bull deal runs until the end of 2028.

However, Verstappen’s contract is full of potential exit clauses, with the Dutchman free to discuss his future with other teams had he been outside the top three in the drivers’ championship at the summer break.

Despite McLaren’s dominance, Verstappen made sure he was the best of the rest, meaning any potential suitors would have had to pay an unimaginable fee to buy him out of his agreement.

Mercedes were extremely keen to sign Verstappen, and there are still question marks over the lengths of George Russell’s and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s next deals as Toto Wolff attempts to make space for the 27-year-old.

However, Jos Verstappen suggested he’s discussed a move to Ferrari with Max as a potential option for his Formula 1 future.

Ralf Schumacher has been talking about Verstappen’s next steps, and saw something at the Italian Grand Prix that suggests a move to the Scuderia would be a better fit for the four-time world champion than heading to Mercedes.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Ralf Schumacher sees Ferrari as a ‘good fit’ for Max Verstappen if he leaves Red Bull

Schumacher was speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast in the aftermath of Verstappen’s victory at Monza.

The Dutchman went on to win his 66th Formula 1 race from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, barely putting a foot wrong all weekend.

Verstappen’s camp loved the reception he received from Ferrari’s fans after the race, and reflecting on this, Schumacher explained: “What I found so fascinating was that before the race, Verstappen’s father had already made some comments about Ferrari. And then, after the victory, I admit, I unfortunately had to leave.

“I mean, on television, I don’t know, you were there, but the whole crowd was already cheering for Max Verstappen and shouting Max Verstappen’s name.

“So, I somehow have the feeling that the Italians can already imagine that the fastest man on the track at the moment will soon be driving a Ferrari.

“Of course, Papa Verstappen knows full well that this is suddenly an issue for him too, and I have to be honest and say that I don’t know how you felt, but when I see Fred Vasseur as a person today and also what Ferrari embodies there, Max in his current situation with his family, two children, somehow I have the feeling that they could be a great fit.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

Ralf Schumacher says Lewis Hamilton must continue at Ferrari but explains why Max Verstappen move makes sense

Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari future is set in stone, meaning that if Verstappen were to join the Scuderia, it would likely be to replace Lewis Hamilton.

Schumacher was asked whether Schumacher will continue with Ferrari into 2026 and continued: “Well, he’ll have to, won’t he? Because everything starts from scratch there.

“It could also be that Hamilton is much better suited to the new concepts. So, from that point of view, it’s definitely possible.

“I just remember from the team’s attitude, if I remember how it was with Michael, that Ferrari always gets completely involved with the drivers, yes, and actually carries the driver on their backs, and I mean that in a positive way.

“That’s a bit like Red Bull with Max Verstappen. I could imagine this home, this unconditional loyalty to a driver from the brand. I imagine that at Ferrari.

“At Mercedes, I imagine it a little differently. But there’s also a little more personality in it.

Toto Wolff is also a different character who needs his space. From that point of view, I can well imagine that the two brands could be a good fit.”

Ferrari will hope that bringing in Hamilton was the right decision once his tenure with the team eventually comes to an end.

That looks set to heavily rely on how he deals with the upcoming F1 regulation changes; otherwise, a seat may open up for Verstappen to consider as early as 2027.