Ecclestone urges Verstappen to join Ferrari as Red Bull future grows uncertain

Bernie Ecclestone has publicly urged Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull for Ferrari, telling reporters at the Austrian Grand Prix that acquiring the four-time world champion is “cheaper than trying to improve the car.”

The 95-year-old, who ran Formula 1 until Liberty Media completed its takeover in early 2017, returned to the paddock in Austria to share his views on the sport’s current landscape — and Verstappen’s uncertain future sat at the centre of them.

“If I had a team now, the first thing I’d like to do is [bring] Max onboard at whatever cost,” Ecclestone said. “Because it’s cheaper than me trying to improve the car.”

Asked where Verstappen should go to best showcase his abilities, Ecclestone was direct: “I would have advised him last year to go to Ferrari.”

The Dutchman’s situation at Red Bull has become one of the paddock’s most discussed storylines. Speculation ranges from a switch to McLaren, to remaining at Red Bull for another season, to a full exit from the sport driven by his well-documented frustration with the incoming 2026 technical regulations.

Ecclestone’s Ferrari recommendation extended beyond Verstappen. The former F1 boss revealed he had also encouraged Christian Horner — removed from his role as Red Bull team principal roughly a year ago — to consider a move to Maranello.

“Christian is in a difficult position anyway,” Ecclestone said. “Wherever he goes, if he doesn’t succeed people will say, ‘ah Christian you were very good when you were with Red Bull and big budgets and things like that and now you’re not winning because of that.’”

“So, it’s difficult for him. I speak to him quite a bit. Early on I was trying to convince him to try and be at Ferrari.”

Ecclestone admitted, however, that he has “no idea” where Horner might ultimately land, leaving the futures of both men — driver and former team boss — firmly unresolved as the 2025 season continues.