Max Verstappen has mentioned the possibility of a switch to Aston Martin in the future, following Adrian Newey’s move there, according to team principal Mike Krack. Newey, known as the leading F1 technical genius of his era, will join Aston Martin from March 1, with an annual salary around €24 million. After nearly 20 years with Red Bull, Newey, a 65-year-old from the UK, announced his exit in May.
Verstappen, signed with Red Bull till 2028, had three world championship victories in a car designed by Newey. Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, Krack did not disregard the chance of Verstappen joining the team, and Verstappen did not outright reject the prospect of partnering with Newey again.
Verstappen revealed, “I might think about it for the future, but not right now. Adrian and I have a great rapport. After hearing the news, I texted him so I am glad for him. I always wished he stayed but these things are out of my hands. I am looking forward to people seeking fresh challenges. I’m aware that Lawrence [Stroll] is pushing full steam to ensure Aston Martin succeeds.”
Krack perceives Newey’s recruitment, who achieved world championships at Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, as proof of owner Stroll’s ambition, adding to the team’s appeal. Krack expressed, “The door for Max Verstappen is always ajar. We will be more appealing in all aspects simply through this signing, boosting our credibility. It demonstrates the project’s ability to reach its goals.”
Newey will work alongside 25-year-old Lance, Stroll’s son, and Fernando Alonso, two-time world champion aged 43 whose contract lasts until 2026. Alonso will be 45 in the 2026 season, which will be Newey’s first fully designing the car.
Forward-thinking, Krack thinks Alonso may be stimulated by having the opportunity to collaborate with Newey and suggested he could stay with the team, based in Silverstone, beyond his current contract.
Krack has not denied that Fernando may wish to extend his stay with us. No direct discussions have transpired, it’s however evident that Fernando’s future with the team is promising,” Krack implied. The mutual respect between Adrian and Fernando is tangible and it is apparent that working together has always been desired by both.
The rumor mills were abuzz with Newey’s potential transition to Ferrari to align with the incoming seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Probed on whether he felt let down by Newey’s decision to not cross over to Scuderia, Hamilton noted, “Truly, I don’t. I’ve acknowledged in the past that collaborating with Adrian would be a privilege, yet my experiences winning two championships were without Adrian being part of the team”.
“Any team would treasure having him onboard, but ultimately, Adrian had to make a choice that served his best interest,” Hamilton continued, “This in no way deters my objectives or shift my focus in my forthcoming endeavours. I am fully persuaded that there are numerous potentials to explore.”