Bernie Ecclestone urges Max Verstappen to join Ferrari

Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has advised Max Verstappen to move to Ferrari. The 95-year-old shared his views during a return to the paddock at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Ecclestone said he would want Verstappen in any team he owned. "If I had a team now, the first thing I'd like to do is [bring] Max onboard at whatever cost," he stated. "Because it's cheaper than me trying to improve the car."

He revealed he had advised the four-time world champion to join Ferrari last year. Ecclestone also confirmed he had tried to convince former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to take a role at the Italian squad.

Ecclestone left his position at Formula 1 in 2017 after the sale to Liberty Media. He noted that Horner faces challenges in any new role due to expectations from his Red Bull success.

The comments come amid ongoing speculation about Verstappen's future, including possible moves or continued tenure at Red Bull.

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