While rumors about Max Verstappen’s future continue to stir the paddock, David Coulthard believes that Ferrari would be a much more natural destination for the four-time world champion than Mercedes.
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The start of the 2026 season continues to raise many questions about Max Verstappen and his future in Formula 1. The arrival of new technical regulations, combined with a different distribution between internal combustion engine and electric energy, has profoundly changed the behavior of the cars. An evolution that the Red Bull driver has openly criticized for several months.
Even after the adjustments introduced by the FIA during the Miami weekend, the Dutchman did not hide his frustration with these new cars, which he still considers far from the traditional DNA of F1. This frustration naturally fuels speculation about the next steps in his career.
At only 28 years old, Verstappen still has several options. Some observers even mention the possibility of a break or a temporary departure from the sport if the situation does not improve quickly. A transfer to another team also remains possible, especially if Red Bull fails to regain a dominant position in the coming months.
Mercedes still mentioned… but Ferrari intrigues more
For several seasons, Mercedes has regularly appeared as a credible destination for Max Verstappen. The ties between the Verstappen camp and the German brand have existed for a long time, and the Red Bull driver will notably participate in the upcoming 24 Hours of Nürburgring behind the wheel of a Mercedes-powered GT3.
This proximity naturally fuels rumors of a possible rapprochement between the two parties. However, for David Coulthard, the Mercedes environment would not necessarily suit the personality of the four-time world champion.
The former Scottish driver sees Ferrari on the contrary as a structure better suited to Verstappen’s style and character. According to him, the atmosphere at the Scuderia would offer more freedom to the Dutchman.
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“I think Max fits more with the Ferrari universe than with Mercedes” explained Coulthard on the Up To Speed podcast.
The former McLaren and Red Bull driver nevertheless acknowledges the existence of good relations between Verstappen and Mercedes: “I know he has a good relationship with them and that he already drives a Mercedes in some GT3 races.”
“Let Max be Max”
For Coulthard, the big difference lies mainly in the philosophy of the two teams. Ferrari would give Verstappen more freedom to operate in his own way, without trying to control every aspect of his image or communication.
“The freedom to simply be Max would probably suit him better at Ferrari, the Scot believes. He would arrive, drive fast, probably win races, then go home.”
These statements are sure to reignite speculation about a possible transfer of the Dutch champion to Maranello in the coming years. Even if no concrete move seems imminent, the difficulties encountered by Red Bull with the new technical rules could gradually reshuffle the cards on the driver market.
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