Max Verstappen's Aston Martin dream – Fernando Alonso new deal and more Red Bull chaos
Max Verstappen could be on his way out of Red Bull for 2026 with the ambitious Aston Martin team among the teams interested in signing the world champion
by Mark Whiley · The MirrorF1 king Max Verstappen is spoilt for choice as question marks over his Red Bull future continue.
Tensions behind the scenes and the loss of their previously massive pace advantage have led to the very real possibility of the Dutchman leaving the team he has won three world titles with, with a fourth potentially following this year. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has openly courted Verstappen, who is believed to have get-out clauses in his Red Bull contract, which isn’t due to expire until 2028.
A move in 2026, when new regulations come into force, is a genuine prospect. But Mercedes are not the only realistic destination for one of F1’s biggest names.
Aston Martin, who recently announced the marquee signing of legendary designer Adrian Newey, have both the budget and ambition to interest Verstappen. Along with their plush new facilities at their Silverstone base, Honda will become Aston’s engine supplier in 2026, with Red Bull migrating to its own engine programme amid a technical partnership with Ford.
Both Verstappen and Newey have strong relationships with Honda, which has been in the back of the Red Bull for their recent period of domination. Here’s a dream scenario of how Verstappen moving to Aston could shape up...
Fernando Alonso stays
A cynic might suggest Verstappen would prefer to see F1 legend Alonso dropped as he would obviously destroy Lance Stroll, the son of Aston’s billionaire owner Lawrence.
However, a savvy operator like Verstappen would surely realise that for the team to progress from midfield regulars to frontrunners, they would need two strong drivers. And providing age doesn’t damper Alonso’s speed and desire, they would make a fearsome partnership.
The Spaniard has hinted his current contract, which runs to the end of 2026, will be his last in F1, but an extension cannot be discounted, which may be welcomed by Verstappen. The pair also have plenty of mutual respect for each other.
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Speaking about his desire to take part in the Le Mans 24 Hours one day, he said earlier this year that Alonso, who has won the iconic race twice, would be his dream teammate, saying: “I’ve been speaking to Fernando about it. He said he would only want to do it with me again. That would be really cool.”
Whether Lawrence Stroll would be willing to ditch his own son remains to be seen. Moving Lance to Aston’s World Endurance programme has been speculated though.
The Newey factor
Along with Newey, Aston have made numerous other impressive technical hires. While Stroll Snr has put together an impressive line-up behind the scenes, there are question marks over how so many brilliant minds will knit together.
But assuming they are all singing off the same hymn sheet under Newey, who will officially join the team in March 2025, Verstappen arriving for 2026 could be perfect timing. Newey knows exactly what Verstappen wants from a car and the pair have a strong bond away from the track. Their immense success together – three drivers’ titles and two constructors’ crowns – is there for all to see.
Mercedes flop
The other main option for Verstappen is, of course, Mercedes, who have endured a tough few years since the last rules reset in 2022. They have been on a front-running pace more regularly this season but inconsistency has left them fourth in the constructors’ standings.
With the 2026 rules to rely more heavily on engine performance, Mercedes will expect to return to the top. For Verstappen to feel vindicated about moving to Aston, he will want the Brackley squad to underachieve again.
More Red Bull chaos
Despite seeing Red Bull reined in this year, it would still be a big call to leave the stable he has been with for a decade. However, following the departure of Newey and several other key figures, like sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, any more behind-the-scenes turmoil could see the team tumble down the field, which would vindicate his decision.
McLaren go backwards
McLaren have emerged as the class of the field following some remarkably successful upgrades. But as a customer team, they will be relying on Mercedes to get it right with the engine. If they drop the ball, both teams could go backwards in 2026, which would be good news for Honda-powered Astons.
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