Bernie Ecclestone explains why one F1 driver is worth signing at "whatever cost"

It comes at a time of high speculation surrounding the future of the four-time world champion. Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season but a clause allows him to exit at the end of this year if he is not inside the top two in the drivers’ championship by the summer break in August.

Verstappen's camp, as per Sky Sports News, have held talks with McLaren over a potential future move for the Red Bull star. McLaren currently has Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri under contract, and Speaking to Sky Sports at the weekend, McLaren CEO Zak Brown reiterated his confidence in the current line-up but stopped short of ruling out Verstappen completely.

Ecclestone, speaking to the media while making an appearance in the F1 paddock during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, raved about Verstappen on a weekend where he finished second to George Russell.

Weighing in on the Dutchman's future, he said: "I mean if I had a team now, the first thing I’d like to do is get Max onboard at whatever cost, because it’s cheaper than me trying to build a new car." When asked which team Verstappen should drive for in the future, he added: "If he stays, is it bad and how bad? If he goes, where does he go and will it be better? Not easy. I would have advised him last year go to Ferrari.”

Mercedes had once been seen as a potential destination for Verstappen. However, with the success of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell this season, that now appears unlikely. Toto Wolff closed the door on a move for Verstappen in 2027, telling Sky Sports: "Yes, we don't want to change things and we said that also to George. I think it's a lineup that is good for us. I'm very happy with the two of them."