Lewis Hamilton will wrap up his enduring partnership with Mercedes at the culmination of this season to join forces with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari from 2025, in accordance with a multi-year pact, to realise a “childhood dream”.
Triple world champion Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until the culmination of 2028 but repeatedly indicated last year that he might be prepared to depart from F1 thereafter amidst the burgeoning calendar.
He has also expressed a desire to compete outside of F1 in endurance events.
When questioned by Autosport/Motorsport.com regarding the possibility of a switch to Ferrari, he responded: “I don’t wish to appear disrespectful or anything of the sort.
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“I hold a great deal of esteem for the Ferrari brand, but I am content with my current situation.
“I am at ease in my current surroundings, so for me, it’s not something I am actively seeking to alter.
“However, in my life thus far, I’ve learnt to never say never. But for the time being, it’s not even a consideration for me.
“Nevertheless, Formula 1 is just one aspect of my ambitions. I aspire to undertake activities beyond Formula 1 as well.”
Despite a sometimes acrimonious rivalry with Hamilton, notably reaching its zenith during their 2021 showdown for the drivers’ championship, Verstappen appeared supportive of the Brit’s decision to make the move.
He elaborated: “Ultimately, if someone desires to drive for Ferrari, particularly someone of Lewis’s calibre, having achieved so much, if that is his aspiration and objective, and once again, we are unaware of the discussions that took place at Mercedes and Ferrari, the assurances made, and the prospects they envisage… thus, we cannot offer a fair assessment from our standpoint regarding why this decision was made.
“But if he is content with the move, then he should pursue it, I believe it will be intriguing. Naturally, I wish them success.
However, the outcome remains uncertain at present.”
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His teammate, Sergio Perez, shared a similar sentiment, pointing out the potential alteration in the dynamics between Hamilton and Mercedes as his departure draws near.
“I anticipate that the dynamics will be fascinating to observe from an external standpoint, with a driver who is transitioning to a different team,” remarked Perez.
“We are all aware of how possessive teams can be regarding the sharing of information, considering Lewis’s lengthy tenure there, and the extensive knowledge he will carry to another team.”