What Max Verstappen’s camp thinks about the Aston Martin interest after Adrian Newey’s signing

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The news of Adrian Newey confirming his next challenge in Formula 1 after his Red Bull departure came as little surprise.

What perhaps did surprise many is his destination, as the 65-year-old designer is to join Aston Martin in the first quarter of 2025 following a period of gardening leave with Red Bull.

Newey is one of the most successful engineers in F1 history, designing the cars that brought title success to Williams, McLaren and his soon-to-be former employers Red Bull. Joining the Milton Keynes-based squad in 2006, Newey has helped take the team from the midfield to winning six constructors’ championships and seven drivers titles as of the end of the 2023 season.

Speculation was rife as to where Newey was going to go next, with Ferrari being heavily linked with the Brit. Ted Kravitz said Williams needed too much work for Newey, with countless other teams up and down the paddock also chasing his signature.

There had also been rumours that Newey would simply call it quits and retire from F1 after leaving Red Bull, but sure enough, the legendary engineer will remain in the sport as he joins Aston Martin from 2025 onwards.

What does the Verstappen camp think about the interest from Aston Martin?

Newey will work with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll and the Silverstone-based team prepare for the future with some exciting signing behind the scenes.

But one name that has been mentioned as a potential target for Aston Martin is none other than Max Verstappen.

Despite the Dutchman’s contract at Red Bull running until 2028, Verstappen’s future with the team has been thrown into uncertainty for months. Given Red Bull’s drop in performance in recent weeks and with Newey and team manager Jonathan Wheatley’s departure, the three-time champion could also be on the way out.

Mercedes have been admirers of the 26-year-old for some time. Toto Wolff confirmed talks with Verstappen as he lines the Dutchman up as his preferred driver for 2026.

With Newey’s announcement, Martin Brundle thinks Verstappen could be tempted by Aaton Martin. But according to a report from F1 Insider, the Silverstone team’s interest has ‘not yet been met with approval’ from the Verstappen camp.

Max’s father Jos Verstappen and manager Raymond Vermeulen are reportedly still ‘banking on the strength of the Mercedes drive’ when the 2026 regulations come into effect with a 50/50 split on internal combustion and electrical power.

Mercedes looks to be Max Verstappen’s most attractive option for 2026

It is no surprise Verstappen has been linked with Aston Martin after Newey’s signing, given the current state of Red Bull and the supposed exit clause in the Dutchman’s contract.

Newey will be under pressure to deliver at Aston Martin, and if he can build a fast car for the team – which his track record proves he will – then it will prove to be an attractive option for Verstappen if Red Bull cannot deliver.

The only question is whether the power unit will be competitive. While the Mercedes powertrain is anticipated to be just that, Aston Martin will switch to Honda, with many being left unsure whether the Japanese unit will be quick from the start of the new regulations.

Mercedes seem to be the go-to for Verstappen if he does leave Red Bull. If he becomes available, it will be a shootout between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli to keep their seats at the Silver Arrows.