Martin Brundle’s verdict on whether Aston Martin could sign Max Verstappen after hiring Adrian Newey

Follow us on Google Discover

The news that everybody in Formula 1 had been waiting for was confirmed on Tuesday morning as Adrian Newey’s latest destination on the grid was announced.

At a press conference at Aston Martin’s headquarters, team owner Lawrence Stroll shared that Adrian Newey would be the team’s new managing technical partner.

He joins a star-studded collection of backroom staff at Aston Martin who will be aiming to bring success to the British team as quickly as possible.

When he officially starts with Aston Martin in 2025, he’ll be working alongside Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Aston Martin F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Alonso will be desperate to win his first race in more than a decade while Lawrence Stroll’s investment has all been geared towards making Lance a world champion.

Martin Brundle was speaking on Sky Sports ahead of the announcement and a question was asked about a certain Max Verstappen.

Newey’s Red Bull-designed cars have helped Verstappen win three world championships already and despite some recent struggles, he’s the favourite to win a fourth straight title.

If things continue to go downhill at his current team then Verstappen may up considering his options and Brundle believes Newey’s move to Aston Martin could tempt him to the Silverstone-based team.

However, the major caveat is whether or not he builds a fast car and while history suggests he will, the 2026 regulations are going to be incredibly difficult to tackle and will test Newey and his new colleagues immensely.

Martin Brundle shares whether he could see Max Verstappen join Adrian Newey at Aston Martin

Asked about the potential for Aston Martin to attract Verstappen down the line and being a possible destination for the 26-year-old, Brundle said: “Absolutely!”

Brundle then continued: “That’s the thing with somebody like Newey, you’re going to also then attract the star players, the star drivers, who want to be part of that.

“That’s why, there’s no price list for Formula 1 drivers, Premiership footballers or the likes of Adrian Newey, you’re worth what somebody’s prepared to pay you.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

“Lawrence Stroll didn’t become a billionaire because he’s careless or frivolous with money, he knows what he’s spending.

“And I think you’re absolutely right, it will help attract other talent as well and focus and sponsors and investors in the team.

“It could end up actually being a bargain providing the car goes fast and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”

Max Verstappen coveted by Aston Martin and Mercedes

Verstappen is the quickest driver on the grid according to Eddie Jordan and like Newey that makes him an asset that every team wants.

Mercedes have been chasing Verstappen for some time but have now confirmed a line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for 2025.

That won’t put Toto Wolff off pursuing Verstappen in the future and it may end up being a race between his team and Aston Martin to develop the best car to attract the 26-year-old should he decide to move on from Red Bull.

Earlier in the year, it appeared as though Stroll was prepared to do whatever it took to sign Verstappen when his immediate Red Bull future was in doubt.

That’s now been resolved, but F1 is known as the Piranha Club for a reason and nothing lasts forever in this sport.