BREAKING: Max Verstappen is in high demand, with Aston Martin hoping to entice him away from Red Bull.
Max Verstappen has claimed that his ‘loyalty’ to Red Bull will influence his future decisions. The Dutchman is apparently in talks with Aston Martin about a move in 2026 and beyond, albeit he is technically obligated to his present team until the end of the 2028 season.
One year ago, questioning Verstappen’s long-term future at Red Bull was insignificant. In 2023, the Dutchman surpassed record after record, winning 19 of a potential 22 games as his squad swept both trophies.
However, in 2024 the field has converged and Verstappen heads into his home race on a four-race winless streak. For most drivers, this will be a familiar feeling, but for the three-time world champion, it is not far from a crisis.
Combine Red Bull’s current struggles with the departures of key figures such as Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley and it is easy to see why the likes of Aston Martin and Mercedes could be avenues worth considering for Verstappen’s camp.
Speaking to Formula.hu about his plans beyond 2025, Verstappen said: “I think the most important thing is not to make decisions based on emotion because that will always get you back. I’m a patient person myself, I don’t over-worry things.
“Of course, it means a lot and I appreciate the fact that I have a very long history with the team. Loyalty is very important and I think it is not always there in F1. Fortunately, in my case, it is there and I think it is mutual for us. Key people stay with the team and now we have our own engine project.
“How is it going? I’m very confident, but we have to be realistic. We have to fight against people who have been making engines for over a hundred years. They have a lot of experience, but of course, we have also signed a lot of people.”
Verstappen then stated, “I’m the same as with the new rules; I like to occupy the middle ground. I don’t want to be excessively optimistic or pessimistic. I stay in the middle.
You need to be patient. Many things must stay or come together, and I must consider the future, namely what will happen after 2026. “So I’m patient.” What is certain is that Aston Martin must enhance their performance if they are to persuade Verstappen that they are his best bet for 2026. Lawrence Stroll’s squad is competing with VCARB and Haas for the fifth-fastest team title with 10 races left in the 2024 season.
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