Helmut Marko has not dismissed the idea of Max Verstappen potentially joining Aston Martin in the future. In a conversation with Kleine Zeitung, the senior advisor for Red Bull Racing hinted that Verstappen is always keen to be part of a successful team.
With Adrian Newey preparing to collaborate with Honda, Aston Martin’s engine supplier for the 2026 season and beyond, speculation surrounding Verstappen’s possible transfer has grown. Reports of discussions between the Dutch driver’s management and Lawrence Stroll in August have fueled these rumors. As Newey’s move to Aston Martin appears to be on the horizon, the buzz around Verstappen’s future has intensified. Marko noted that a switch to Aston Martin wouldn’t be unexpected, highlighting that success often follows Newey wherever he goes. He pointed out that the combination of Honda, Newey, and Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art facilities makes the team an attractive option for the reigning champion. However, Marko stressed that Aston Martin must effectively integrate Newey to enhance their chances of success.
When asked about the possibility of Verstappen moving to Aston Martin for the 2026 season and beyond, Marko stated: “Max races where he can secure victories. Aston Martin boasts the most advanced factory, with a new wind tunnel set to be operational next year, along with Honda engines. Everything aligns perfectly. Historically, it’s evident that Newey’s presence has led to upward trends. I don’t see why that wouldn’t be the case at Aston Martin. Max understands that he can also clinch titles with us if we navigate the current season successfully. That’s absolutely essential. Adrian Newey can only officially start on March 1, 2025, which is relatively late. The entire Aston Martin team will need to be trained beforehand.”
Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, has not entirely ruled out the possibility of joining Aston Martin in the future. This speculation has intensified recently, particularly following the announcement of Adrian Newey’s signing with the team. Newey, a highly respected figure in the motorsport world, is known for his innovative designs and engineering prowess, which has led to significant success in Formula 1. His move to Aston Martin has sparked discussions about the team’s potential trajectory and competitiveness in the coming seasons.
Mike Krack, the team principal of Aston Martin, has hinted at the possibility of Verstappen becoming part of their lineup, suggesting that the team is looking to build a strong foundation for future success. When approached by reporters during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Verstappen acknowledged the speculation surrounding his future but made it clear that any discussions about a potential move to Aston Martin would be reserved for another time. He stated, “Right now, I have other priorities that demand my attention and focus.”
At just 25 years old, Verstappen is at the peak of his career, and his current commitment lies with Red Bull Racing, the team that has supported him since his debut in Formula 1. He expressed enthusiasm for Newey’s new role at Aston Martin, recognizing that the British engineer’s involvement could significantly enhance the team’s prospects. Verstappen noted that the arrival of Newey makes Aston Martin an attractive project, one that could yield promising results in the future.
Despite the allure of a potential partnership with Aston Martin, Verstappen emphasized that his immediate focus is on his current team and the challenges they face together. He mentioned his strong rapport with Newey, indicating that they have maintained a good relationship over the years. In fact, Verstappen reached out to Newey shortly after the news of his signing with Aston Martin broke, expressing his support and excitement for the new chapter in Newey’s career.
while the idea of Verstappen joining Aston Martin has generated considerable interest, he remains committed to Red Bull Racing for the time being. His focus is on the present, as he navigates the challenges of the current season, but he has left the door open for future possibilities, acknowledging that the landscape of Formula 1 can change rapidly.
I’m genuinely pleased for him; it’s an exciting new opportunity. I always wished he could have stayed, but at a certain point, you have to accept the situation. It’s great to see people pursuing new challenges. I know Lawrence is fully committed to making things work with Aston Martin, so it’s only natural that he would want Adrian by his side.
When asked if Newey’s move to Aston Martin made them a more appealing option, Verstappen replied: “I’m not sure. I’ve worked with him, so I understand his character and capabilities. I think most people would jump at the chance to collaborate with Adrian at some point in their careers. So, it’s definitely a possibility.”
In addition to Aston Martin, Max Verstappen is still on Toto Wolff’s radar, as the Mercedes boss has long expressed interest in bringing him to the team. Nico Rosberg mentioned that Verstappen might contemplate a return to his former team in 2026. Wolff has been candid about wanting the reigning champion on his roster. Although Verstappen is tied to Red Bull Racing until the end of 2028, contractual limitations might not be a barrier, especially considering Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari. Ultimately, how Red Bull performs in 2024 could play a crucial role in shaping Verstappen’s future choices.
Helmut Marko’s Take on Max Verstappen’s Possible Transition to Aston Martin.
