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Max Verstappen appears to be the first candidate to replace Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari for 2016. The youngster has impressed during his debut season, whilst his star is rising. The position of the Fin Raikkonen is highly under pressure and his contract ends at the end of this season.
A source told us some weeks ago: "Ferrari is chasing Max Verstappen, they're talking to his management for some time now. They want to sign him for 2016. They will start talking to Red Bull to buy out Verstappens 3-year deal. If Red Bull are open to talk about it, Verstappen will be switching teams next year."
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The Dutchman commented on the current situation: "Nothing is impossible in life. This news shows that I'm doing well. It would be nice to drive for Ferrari. I think if you get the chance, you need to take it, if the possibility will be there."
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Replies (3)
Login to replyjcford33
Posts: 5
Even with Ferrari's strict No. 1 and No. 2 driver policy, assuming SV stays with Ferrari until retirement, Max would still be in his mid to late 20's at SV's retirement and would have many years left as No. 1.
DutchTreath
Posts: 5,058
Pure nonsense, even Max in the Dutch press admits. It's nice to read about it and know I'm on the good way in F1, but it is to early to move to a professional team like Ferrari.
With STR I get time to learn and make mistakes. An other year with STR would fit me best,
but on the other hand, you can't say no if a team like Ferrari should offer me a seat.
jcford33
Posts: 5
I believe your correct, DUTCHTREATH....we don't know this writer's sources, but I think SF consider themselves the most coveted seat in F1 and only consider no. 2 drivers that have a longer, more proven record and can win immediately, when allowed by the team to do so. Stranger things have happened, but has MV reached that level of professional development??
But if it did happen for him at this age, as said in my previous post, he would have a long time to develop and be ready to to be SF's no. 1 when that time came.