Former Red Bull chief spies route for Verstappen to join Ferrari

Max Verstappen could be tempted to make a switch to Ferrari if Lewis Hamilton opts to leave early.

That is the view of former Red Bull head of operations Richard Hopkins, who also sees Aston Martin as a potential destination for the four-time world champion.

Verstappen has been linked with a Red Bull exit across the last 12 months despite having a contract in place until the end of the 2028 season.

His F1 rival Hamilton joined Ferrari this year following a highly successful stint at Mercedes.

The 40-year-old has a multi-year deal in place - but Hopkins sees an opening at the Italian squad for Verstappen should Hamilton decide to leave earlier than expected.

“They [Ferrari] are definitely high on the list,” Hopkins told Prime Casino. “But there are other factors. 

“For instance, McLaren would need to mess up badly to lose Lando and Oscar, they’ve got two great young drivers locked into multi-year deals, and they’re performing. Unless something drastic happens, they’re not going anywhere.

“Mercedes is another contender, they’re showing signs of strength again. But with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli waiting in the wings, they’re not exactly desperate for talent either.

“Then there’s Ferrari. If Lewis doesn’t stay as long as expected, an early departure could open a door for Max. And that might be attractive.”

Verstappen 'could be tempted' by Aston Martin offer

Aston Martin has also been touted as a potential destination for Verstappen following the arrival of technical mastermind Adrian Newey.

Newey oversaw the construction of all four of Verstappen's championship-winning cars but decided to leave the Milton Keynes-based squad last year in favour of a new challenge at Aston Martin.

Hopkins stated Newey's impact could lure Verstappen to link up with his former colleague in the near future.

“Honestly, yes, I think Verstappen could be tempted by Aston Martin if Adrian Newey is involved,” he said.

“I’m not a betting man, but everywhere Adrian has been, success has followed. He hasn’t lost his magic or his mojo. No one really thinks he has. He’s still more than capable of delivering results.

“Adrian’s a quiet figure, commanding but not loud. He doesn’t slam his fist on the table, but his presence and reputation create an unspoken expectation. 

“People are in awe of him. He’s a true artist, and even though I got to know him well, every time I stepped into his office, it felt like meeting a hero.”

However, Hopkins asserted Newey will not be solely responsible for Aston Martin's turnaround in form and a solid group must be constructed around him.

“That said, success isn’t just about one person. Just having Adrian at Aston Martin won’t be enough on its own,” he said. “You need the right infrastructure, people, and environment. When I joined Red Bull, I was just one part of the puzzle. The same would apply at Aston.

“But Adrian being at Aston could absolutely attract others just like he drew me to Red Bull. And Max? He might be tempted too. Maybe not right away, maybe only once a few more key figures are in place, but Adrian has that Pied Piper effect. People follow him.

“And let’s not forget Lawrence Stroll has the budget to make it happen. Money wouldn’t be the issue. But it’s not just about money for Max. 

“It could be about legacy, about going to a team like Aston Martin and turning it into a winner, much like Lewis hopes to do with Ferrari. Max might want the chance to say ‘they’re on top now and I helped get them there’.”