Max Verstappen is attracting interest from Aston Martin after Adrian Newey’s move to the Formula 1 team and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has tackled the links.
The 27-year-old may have a contract through the 2028 season, which also saw Red Bull pay Verstappen £59m in 2023, but his future is often up for debate. Verstappen has also helped to fuel the debate in recent years by suggesting he might retire from Formula 1 after 2028.
Yet, while Verstappen wants to one day explore other motorsport categories, the Dutchman still has his suitors in Formula 1 with Aston Martin the latest team to consider a move. Their capture of design legend Newey from Red Bull has also only added more weight to the links.
Christian Horner feels Max Verstappen is ‘very happy’ at Red Bull amid Aston Martin links
The imminent arrival of Newey in Silverstone has brought about claims that Verstappen is in ongoing talks to join Aston Martin as early as the 2026 season. Despite winning the last four F1 drivers’ titles with Red Bull, Verstappen is ready for a fresh challenge with the right team.
A potential move for Verstappen even comes after Newey made it clear to Aston Martin that Lance Stroll is not good enough. The Silverstone crew’s new managing technical partner has made his position evident behind closed doors but the Canadian enjoys a contract for 2026.
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
The speculation regarding Verstappen’s future also comes after Horner held talks with Aston Martin at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Red Bull chief was spotted leaving the Aston Martin hospitality unit at the Yas Marina Circuit, and it was not believed to relate to Newey’s future.
Now, Horner has broken his silence on the rumours, stating that he believes Verstappen still is happy at Red Bull. He also believes Red Bull know what they must do to keep the 27-year-old not only in Milton Keynes but happy, and that is to continue building a winning package.
Horner told F1 Oversteer when questioned at the Autosport Awards if Newey could tempt Verstappen to follow him to Aston Martin: “I think Max is very happy where he is. It’s down to us to give him a decent car and for him to realise his ambitions.”
Max Verstappen’s camp refutes claims Aston Martin have offered £1bn
While Horner has made it clear what Red Bull need to do to prevent Newey from persuading Verstappen to follow him to Aston Martin, the extent of the Silverstone crew’s interest is still unclear. Verstappen’s camp refutes claims Aston Martin offered him £1bn to vacate Red Bull.
What is likely clear is that the Hasselt, Belgium-born pilot would have his pick of suitors in F1 if Verstappen triggers an exit clause in his Red Bull contract. The 2025 season could see him become a five-time champion, and Verstappen already ranks third for Grand Prix wins on 63.
Article written in collaboration with Rory Mitchell.
Leave feedback about this