In the swirling heat of the Saudi Arabian GP paddock, Max Verstappen’s name was everywhere. With questions mounting about his Red Bull future, Aston Martin found itself drawn into the spotlight.
Verstappen’s future, already a 2025 subplot
Only five races into the season, and Verstappen is already making headlines off-track. After Helmut Marko’s public concern about the Dutchman’s long-term future at Red Bull, the press conference in Jeddah was dominated by speculation.
Yes, Verstappen is under contract until 2028. But F1 is F1 — and release clauses exist. If things continue to shift behind the scenes at Red Bull, the World Champion may start looking elsewhere.
Why Aston Martin?
Simple: Honda joins Aston Martin in 2026. Rumours suggest Adrian Newey is on his way too. Verstappen’s two most trusted technical pillars could be aligning once again — in green rather than red.
Add to that Aston’s growing ambition and investment, and the scenario becomes less fantasy, more calculated possibility.
Cowell plays it safe — for now
Asked about Verstappen, Andy Cowell didn’t blink. “We have two experienced drivers signed,” he said. And that was that.
He avoided any hint of negotiation, stressing instead the team’s current focus: building a better car, not shuffling the lineup. Still, in a paddock full of politics, a denial isn’t always a definitive no.
Alonso, as always, in control
Fernando Alonso handled the Verstappen talk with his usual calm. He viewed it as a sign of Aston Martin’s rise. If Max wants in, it’s because the team is finally being taken seriously.
Alonso reminded everyone that his commitment extends beyond driving, hinting at a long-term role. It was a diplomatic way of saying: “If I must step aside, I’ll still be here — and proud.”
One move away from a power shift?
Bringing Verstappen to Aston Martin would require a bold reshuffle. Perhaps even a sacrifice. But the ingredients are there.
And with Red Bull no longer the fortress it once was, 2026 could bring more than just new engines — it might deliver a whole new hierarchy.