The Formula 1 world has been rocked by Max Verstappen’s latest unexpected move ahead of the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix. The Dutch superstar was spotted behind the wheel of a Ferrari supercar cruising through the streets of Shanghai, sparking controversy and raising eyebrows within the Red Bull camp. As speculation ran wild about a potential conflict of interest, team principal Christian Horner has finally addressed the situation.

Verstappen’s Unexpected Ferrari Drive: What Really Happened?

In the days leading up to the highly anticipated Chinese Grand Prix, Verstappen was filmed and photographed casually driving a Ferrari SF90 Stradale, a high-performance supercar from Red Bull’s fiercest rival. The footage quickly went viral, leaving fans, F1 analysts, and even Red Bull insiders shocked and puzzled.

Many immediately questioned whether Verstappen’s actions violated his contractual obligations with Red Bull, which has strong ties with luxury car brand Aston Martin. Some speculated that this could be an early sign of the reigning world champion’s potential switch to Ferrari in the future.

With tensions brewing, Christian Horner has now spoken out to clarify the situation.

Christian Horner’s Response: “It’s Not What It Looks Like”

When asked about Verstappen’s unexpected choice of car, Horner downplayed the controversy, stating:

“People are making too much of this. Max loves cars, and this was nothing more than a casual drive. There’s no hidden agenda or contract breach here.”

Horner also insisted that Verstappen remains fully committed to Red Bull, dismissing any rumors of a future Ferrari move.

“Max is Red Bull through and through. He has made it clear where his loyalty lies, and we’re not worried about him driving a Ferrari on his day off. We’ve seen Lewis Hamilton drive non-Mercedes cars before, and nobody questioned his commitment.”

Despite Horner’s efforts to downplay the situation, some within the F1 paddock believe that Verstappen’s Ferrari joyride could still cause friction within the Red Bull camp.

Fan and F1 Community Reactions: Mixed Opinions

The incident has ignited a heated debate among F1 fans. While some believe it’s simply an innocent car enthusiast enjoying a supercar, others argue that Verstappen should be more mindful of his team’s image.

🚀 @F1Insider99: “Max Verstappen driving a Ferrari just before the Chinese GP? That’s like playing with fire. Red Bull won’t be happy about this.”

🔥 @RacingFanatic: “Relax, people. He’s not switching teams. The man just wanted to drive a Ferrari for fun. No big deal!”

🤔 @FerrariFanatic: “Is this a sign that Max is considering a future with Ferrari? Imagine him in red—it would be legendary!”

Will This Affect Verstappen’s Performance in China?

With the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix just days away, the focus will soon shift back to the on-track battle. Verstappen, who has dominated the F1 scene in recent years, will be looking to extend his winning streak and solidify his championship lead.

However, the timing of this Ferrari incident could add unnecessary distractions for both him and Red Bull. While Horner has brushed off concerns, it remains to be seen whether the controversy will have any impact on Verstappen’s mindset as he prepares for the race.

One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Verstappen and Red Bull as they take to the Shanghai International Circuit this weekend. Will this off-track drama fade away, or will it fuel even more speculation about Verstappen’s future? Only time will tell.