F1 Rumor: Ferrari to sack Hamilton and hire Verstappen in 2027

Journalist Bianca Garloff has shared how Max Verstappen feels about joining Ferrari and how a seat could open up for him as early as 2027 if things don’t go to plan for Lewis Hamilton.

Garloff was speaking on the F1 Insider YouTube channel (Note: Lips are out of sync with the voice because the voice is translated from German to English and dubbed in) after Verstappen’s GT4 debut at the Nordschleife.

Verstappen received an amazing reception from Ferrari’s fans after winning at Monza, and reflecting on this, Garloff said: “Max Verstappen won at Monza, and normally, the fans don’t necessarily cheer for drivers who aren’t Ferrari drivers as much as they did for Max.

“There were already rumors or hints that he had his sights set on Ferrari. He admitted it himself.

“However, Ferrari have to be able to afford him, but he said that would be a big deal.

“And as you said, Eddie Irvine says that Max shouldn’t wait too long, because in his opinion, Lewis Hamilton waited too long until he was past his prime as a racing driver and then simply couldn’t deliver what he needed to deliver in a Ferrari to get Ferrari from second place back to first place.

“I don’t think he’ll wait forever either. So, I don’t think anything will happen next year.

“But I can imagine that if Red Bull aren’t absolutely dominant this year and, well, if the Red Bull saga continues, then I think Max will reconsider what he’s going to do next. And then Ferrari will be at the forefront of his mind.

“Lewis Hamilton’s contract is also likely to expire then. Ferrari never say exactly how long the contracts are for, but there was always talk of him getting a two-year contract, possibly with an option, but that will be removed somehow, or they won’t have to exercise it.

“So I wouldn’t rule out that happening as early as 2027.”

September 5, 2025

(GMM) Max Verstappen has responded directly to fresh speculation linking him with Ferrari for 2027.

The quadruple world champion’s future was thrust back into the headlines after his father and co-manager Jos suggested Ferrari had joined Mercedes and Red Bull in recent discussions about the Dutchman post-2026.

At Monza, Verstappen acknowledged Ferrari’s allure but stressed that sentiment alone would never drive his decision.

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 04, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool //

“Ferrari is a huge brand and of course all the drivers imagine themselves there,” he said. “But that is the mistake – when you just want to drive for Ferrari.

“If you want to drive for Ferrari, you have to aim to win. If I ever want to go there, it will not be just to drive for Ferrari, but to win. Winning with Ferrari is even better.”

He emphasized that any move would depend on competitive considerations under the looming new set of regulations. “You can’t just act on emotions and passion for the brand,” the Red Bull driver explained.

“You have to move if you think it’s the right place. Will it be like that in 2026? I don’t know. We’ll see. We have to assess how everything will work out with the new regulations – the situation can completely change again.”

September 2, 2025

(GMM) Questions are still swirling about Max Verstappen’s future – with Ferrari suddenly named as a potential option for 2027.

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari prior to the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on March 23, 2025 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

At Zandvoort last weekend, his father Jos revealed on Viaplay that talks with Mercedes may not have been the only ones happening recently.

“It’s not like we’ve talked about it particularly much this year,” Verstappen senior, who co-manages his son, said. “However, a little more than in previous years.

“We’re talking about Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull.”

Jos Verstappen (NED) father of Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing Honda, and former F1 driver, for Arrows; Tyrrel; Benetton; Footwork; and Minardi, during the Dutch GP, Zandvoort 28-31 August 2025. Formula 1 World championship 2025.

Ferrari is a surprising addition to that list. Charles Leclerc is locked in on a long-term deal, while Lewis Hamilton – only just adjusting to life in red after Mercedes – remains firmly under contract despite his struggles.

Behind the scenes, there are fears that Formula 1 itself could lose its biggest star. Verstappen has never hidden his distaste for the ‘circus’ around F1, and although he has pledged loyalty to Red Bull for 2026, he has openly hinted that 2027 is wide open.

Only days ago, the quadruple world champion admitted that if Red Bull is not title-worthy again in 2026, he would look into doing some GT3 endurance racing at the same time.

He is strongly rumored to be applying this month for the necessary sports car racing credentials, including at the fabled Nordschleife, where he tested earlier this year with his Verstappen.com team.

“Max is the best,” F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali told De Telegraaf. “He’s incredible. He’s shown himself to be very loyal to Red Bull, but it’s also logical that at some point he’ll start looking around.

“It’s clear he’s interested in competing in other series,” the Italian added. “That’s fine. If he’s happy, I’m happy. I don’t want to lose him here, but I certainly hope not.

“Formula 1 is still Formula 1. As far as I’m concerned, he’ll be here for another ten years – and even happily.”