Verstappen in 'Secret Ferrari Talks' Amid Hamilton Exit Rumours

Ferrari have reportedly made moves to try and sign reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen.

Earlier in the month, Verstappen, 27, reminded everyone why he has won four world titles as he produced a masterclass at the Italian Grand Prix.

In front of a packed crowd around the iconic Monza circuit, Verstappen took the chequered flag ahead of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Over the last few months, Verstappen's future has been one of the main talking points of the F1 world.

The Dutchman has previously been linked with the likes of Mercedes and Aston Martin, but did confirm he will be staying with Red Bull for the 2026 season.

However, Verstappen's Red Bull future beyond the 2026 campaign is still reportedly up in the air.

Now, according to F1 legend Giancarlo Minardi, Ferrari have made moves to secure Verstappen; the Scuderia currently have Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton as their drivers.

However, due to his ongoing poor form, Hamilton's future has recently been plunged into doubt.

Lewis Hamilton has endured a tough start at Ferrari. Image: Getty

The 40-year-old has even faced calls to retire, with many names linked with a move to Ferrari as his replacement.

As per GP Blog, Minardi said to Motosport Italy: "I believe Ferrari has made moves in that direction (To sign Verstappen). As for whether he will come, I think his own words—‘I’m going because I want to win’—send quite a negative signal toward Ferrari.

"In recent months there’s been a lot of talk, even secret negotiations, driver swaps that never went anywhere, so anything is possible. I think Ferrari is trying.''

He added: "In my opinion, Toto Wolff’s comments at the end of the race about his team, once again praising Verstappen, were rather unfortunate. Every team wants the best driver, and right now, based on what he shows on track—regardless of the car’s performance—that driver is Verstappen."

Max Verstappen has been linked with a move to Ferrari. Image: Getty

What has Max Verstappen said about driving for Ferrari?

Previously, Verstappen was asked about driving for Ferrari.

He said: "I think Ferrari is a massive brand, and of course all the drivers, they see and they picture themselves of, ‘I would like to drive for Ferrari,’ but I think that's also where the mistake comes, just to drive for Ferrari.

"If you want to drive for Ferrari, you want to win. So if I would ever want to go there, I don't go there just to drive for Ferrari, I go there because I see the opportunity to win. And if you win with Ferrari, that's even better."