Max Verstappen wins at the Nurburgring in a Ferrari, Leo Turrini dreams: "If he feels comfortable..."

Max Verstappen (Red Bull), Charles Leclerc, race start 2025 F1

The 2025 Formula 1 season is now heading into its final stages, but even though the track has already provided some clear verdicts, it will nonetheless be remembered, for better or worse, as the year Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari. It was a landmark moment for the F1 world, successfully uniting the most victorious driver and the most successful team of all time with the sole goal of winning together again. This union, which became reality at the beginning of 2024, fulfilled the dreams of both Ferrari fans and the English driver, and at least in intention, it signaled Ferrari’s clear commitment to returning to the top. This move, combined with the expected improvement of the car—which, due to the slow and complex SF-25, did not materialize as hoped and hampered both the season and the growth of the Scuderia—was supposed to allow the Maranello team to return to winning ways by placing a top-level car in the hands of the driver lineup of Sir Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc: on paper, the best combination on the grid.

Sliding door moments

This pairing, however, could have been different if not for certain “sliding door” moments. Had Ferrari chosen a different driver instead of Lewis Hamilton to replace Carlos Sainz, the team could have considered another undisputed champion. Maranello might even have pursued Max Verstappen, who, facing challenges at Red Bull and intrigued by Ferrari’s allure, could have seriously considered an offer from Italy, as was exclusively reported on March 30. The Dutch driver had admitted that if Ferrari’s leadership were to contact him, he would seriously evaluate a move to the Prancing Horse. This “Ferrari desire” is something the four-time world champion has currently satisfied during tests with his team in the GT series and today by taking part in the 4 Hours of the Nurburgring, winning the race in tricky conditions behind the wheel of a Ferrari 296 GT3. This victory highlights Max’s crystal-clear talent, underscores his identity as a pure racer, and sparks speculation about a potential, albeit hypothetical, future switch to Ferrari.

Turrini’s perspective

Leo Turrini discussed this significant and widely covered event on his blog “Profondo Rosso,” also showing that he was not immune to such suggestions:

“Max Verstappen racing in a Ferrari. Of course, it is not Formula 1, we are talking about a 4 Hours race at the Nurburgring. […] What would we have said if Ayrton Senna had done the same thing? Optimists claim this is the prelude to a future already written. Skeptics argue it is purely coincidental. […] Verstappen is chasing yet another victory on the track. This time, however, it is in a Ferrari. The suggestion is extremely powerful. […] Probably, there will be no consequences of any kind, and everything is linked to Max’s passion for the entire racing universe. […] In this, he resembles the Knights of Risk. […] But how can one not think about it? Nigel Mansell came to Ferrari. Alain Prost came to Ferrari. Fernando Alonso came to Ferrari. Sebastian Vettel came to Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton came to Ferrari. Eighteen world titles. […] Zero titles at Maranello. Perhaps Verstappen doesn’t care about history. […] Yet, if he felt comfortable in the 296 at the Ring…”

The performance at the Nurburgring by Max Verstappen in a Ferrari 296 GT3 has therefore reignited the imagination of fans and pundits alike, feeding speculation about what could happen if the Dutch star were to consider a future in red. While still hypothetical, the combination of his exceptional driving skills and Ferrari’s historic appeal creates a narrative that continues to fascinate the motorsport world. Observers like Leo Turrini are clearly captivated by the prospect, reflecting the magnetic draw of Ferrari that has historically attracted legends of the sport.

Max’s ability to adapt so quickly to a different car and secure victory in difficult conditions not only emphasizes his immense talent but also reinforces the idea that the Prancing Horse has the power to inspire top drivers. This event, although outside Formula 1, is a symbolic reminder of the legacy and allure of Ferrari and its potential to continue attracting the greatest names in racing history.

And you? What do you think about Max Verstappen’s performance and his prospects of one day joining Ferrari in Formula 1? Let us know with a comment at the end of the article or on our social media channels: Facebook Group / Facebook Page / Instagram / X (former Twitter)