Max Verstappen’s future beyond Red Bull could be up in the air depending on how well they finish in the competitive order in 2025.
The Dutchman is currently third in the Drivers’ Championship but is faced with an uncompetitive car that cannot match his rivals at McLaren and Ferrari, with Verstappen having to show his sheer brilliance to get a result out of it.
Although he is contracted to Red Bull until at least 2028, Verstappen has a break clause in his contract that enables him to leave the team if he finishes outside of the top three.
Mercedes has been touted as a potential avenue, but they are close to signing a deal with George Russell, while Toto Wolff is also said to be happy with his current driver lineup.
Verstappen has been linked with a move to Aston Martin, but discussing it on Indo Sport, Bernie Collins has outlined one reason why she thinks it would be difficult to win titles at the team.
Bernie Collins thinks winning titles at Aston Martin would be difficult for Max Verstappen
Aston Martin will be switching to Honda power units from 2026 and will be making their gearboxes in-house for the first time, having used Mercedes power units since the start of the hybrid era.
It marks a big shift for the team that is used to being a customer entity, but they have brought on board Andy Cowell and Adrian Newey to help produce a title-winning car.
But with Newey criticising the new regulations for being difficult for innovation and the big changes to the power units, Collins thinks it will be a challenge for Verstappen to win titles with the team.
Interviewer: “In your opinion, is Verstappen likely to beat Hamilton and Schumacher and go beyond?”
Collins: “I don’t think so. I actually really worry for Aston Martin’s performance going forward. I know there is a lot of strength being put on Adrian Newey. But new engine and gearbox, neither of those things are easy to do in a new regulation era, and that’s going to be a challenge. The gearbox in itself is going to be a big challenge so that’s going to be a struggle.”
Aston Martin CEO refuses to rule out Max Verstappen move
Discussing the potential move recently, Aston Martin CEO Cowell has refused to rule out the move, explaining that the team is focused on having a strong driver lineup.
Fernando Alonso believes Verstappen joining Aston Martin is ‘unlikely’ for the future, as it would mean that Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll would have to change his driver lineup.
This would likely see him sacking his son, Lance Stroll, who has not delivered consistent results for the team in the last few seasons.
Verstappen is losing belief in Red Bull’s technical team, which could mean that he would be open to a move that would see him reunite with Newey.
