Aston Martin and Mercedes have set their sights on Max Verstappen – but would it make sense for the Dutchman to switch to Aston Martin?
According to The Daily Mail, Aston Martin is said to have put out feelers for Max Verstappen, a salary of one billion dollars over several years was discussed, but there is already a denial from the British. What is known, however, is that both Mercedes and Aston Martin are interested in the Dutchman’s services and would also invest in them. But would it even fit? Aston Martin and Verstappen?
Red Bull is not panicking and is not afraid of losing the world champion, who has a contract until 2028. Verstappen himself is in a luxury situation because his performances open all doors for him should he want a change of scenery. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff wants to focus on George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, but he too said at Zandvoort that he did not want to shut the door on Verstappen. “I have a feeling that our paths will cross one day,” he said at the time.
Aston Martin is also courting the 27-year-old. The team is investing in infrastructure and personnel. Adrian Newey has been signed up until 2025 and a modern wind tunnel has been built at Silverstone. Honda will supply the engines from 2026, and since the Japanese have no other customers, the team will receive semi-works status – similar to Red Bull’s status today.
Aston Martin needs top drivers for the future
So Aston Martin is building something, but the current driver pairing raises questions: Fernando Alonso is 43 years old, and Lance Stroll doesn’t seem to be a title contender. So something has to change here in the long term if the team is to step up its game in Formula 1. Lawrence Stroll is also willing to invest to make the team successful, and the financial resources could make a difference if the right decisions are made.
Verstappen has great respect for Newey and also for Honda, that is well known. However, Aston Martin does not want to get the four-time world champion at all costs, but to strike when the opportunity arises. Red Bull believes it can keep Verstappen, partly because Helmut Marko, with whom the Verstappen family gets along well, has his place in the team. Nevertheless, the team has to keep the 27-year-old happy with good material; there’s no resting on laurels.
2026 could be a turning point, because that’s when the premier class will introduce new regulations. The team that best masters this change could have a big advantage; the hierarchy could shift. In addition, Red Bull will no longer be able to rely on Honda, but will have to produce its own engine with Ford. There is little room for error, and the team will certainly be under a lot of pressure.
Verstappen has options
These are all variables that could favor a change of Verstappen to another team. Verstappen himself says he is not thinking about a change. He also repeatedly struggles with the path that Formula 1 has taken. Active aerodynamics, a bloated race calendar or sprint races – the Dutchman is not sparing with criticism. This could even lead to Verstappen getting involved outside of Formula 1; the 24 Hours of Le Mans, for example, is a dream of his.
The amount denied in the Daily Mail article sounds tempting, but does Verstappen even have to worry about money? Isn’t he more concerned with fun and success? Aston Martin and Verstappen could be a good match if the pecking order changes in 2026. But that’s just a theory, because ultimately many factors will determine where the 27-year-old sees his future in motorsport. The doors are open to him, that’s for sure. Which one he chooses to go through or whether he will continue to make himself comfortable at Red Bull is written in the stars.
