SUMMARY
- Fred Vasseur think all 10 teams will be happy to have Max Verstappen as their driver.
- Former Ferrari CEO thinks that Max Verstappen will never drive for Ferrari.
Max Verstappen has proven to be one of the best drivers in F1 history. However, he has faced some criticism for making the sport boring. Recently, Ferrari team boss, Fred Vasseur has stated that all 10 teams will be more than happy to sign Max to their team.
Fred Vasseur became the team principal for Ferrari in 2023. Before that, he was the team principal for Alfa Romeo. During this time, he worked with a number of drivers in F1. Although Fred looks a bit grumpy, he is a friendly character.
Fred Vasseur gives open invitation to Max Verstappen
Recently, Fred Vasseur was asked about the ex-Ferrari CEO’s comments on Max Verstappen. To this, the Ferrari team boss replied realistically.
“I think that if you ask the same question to the 10 team principals on the grid, everybody would say that we would be pleased to welcome Max to the team. Now I think he has a contract until 2045, or I don’t know.”
“We have to be focused on ourselves again. I think it’s somehow a loss of energy and focus to think about this today. We have to be focused on what we have in the team. It’s not just about drivers, it’s about all the other topics and it’s not a discussion today.”
Vasseur: I think it’s somehow a loss of energy and focus to think about this today. We have to be focused on what we have in the team. It’s not just about drivers, it’s about all the other topics and it’s not a discussion today.
Source: @PitDebrief #F1
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) December 26, 2023
Vasseur has left the door open at Ferrari for the Dutch driver. However, the team will have to work realistically. As it stands, Ferrari has Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in their driver lineup. The team is looking to work with this driver lineup in the near future.
Both of these drivers’ contracts will end after the 2024 season. However, the Italian team are looking to extend the contracts of both these drivers. While it looks likely that Charles will receive a long-term deal, things are a bit more unclear on Carlos. There is no doubt that Ferrari wants Carlos also in the team. But they are not sure if a long-term contract is a way to go.
Carlos Sainz has made it clear that he wants a multi-year deal to stay with the team. He feels that he has more than proved his performance in the red car. In just these 3 years, he has helped the team finish 2nd in the WCC in 2022 and 3rd in 2023. There is a good chance Ferrari will be fighting for the championship soon. Carlos will be a valuable asset in this fight.
What did Ferrari’s former CEO say about Max Verstappen?
Former Ferrari CEO, Sergio Marchionne, said that Max Verstappen will never drive for Ferrari. This was a strong statement considering that Ferrari would be lucky to have Max on their team. Given the Dutch driver’s performance this season, he will be a valuable asset for all teams. After the 2023 season, Verstappen took a Ferrari for a spin in Portimao.
During the 2023 season, Max Verstappen managed to win 19 out of the 22 races that were held. He alone was able to outscore every other team that took part. Last season was the most dominant season witnessed in F1 history.
📷 Max Verstappen em ação com o Ferrari 296 GT3, o Porsche 991 GT3 R e o Porsche 992 GT3 R no Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.#F1 #F1naSPORTTV pic.twitter.com/1otD8RNdop
— F1PT (@F1PToficial) December 23, 2023
Knowing this fact, Fred Vasseur has opened the doors to Max. However, it is unlikely that Verstappen will leave Red Bull for another team. His current contract with Red Bull will run until the end of the 2028 season. By the time his contract expires, he will be 30 years old. There is a good chance that the Dutch driver will retire from the sport by then.
Do you think Max Verstappen will ever leave Red Bull to drive for another team in F1? Post your answers in the comments section below.