Max Verstappen Quizzed on Potential Alonso Partnership Amid £1bn Aston Martin Rumours
Max Verstappen has remained tight-lipped when questioned about the possibility of joining Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin, stating that “it’s very difficult to say what will happen” in the future.
This comes amid reports that negotiations are ongoing to bring the reigning four-time World Champion to Aston Martin, despite his current contract with Red Bull running until 2028.
Aston Martin’s £1bn Ambitions and Verstappen’s Links
In the past year, Verstappen has been linked with a move away from Red Bull, with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff publicly expressing interest in signing the Dutch driver. However, Aston Martin has now emerged as a serious contender, especially after securing the signature of F1 design guru Adrian Newey from Red Bull.
Additionally, Aston Martin’s technical partnership with Honda, Red Bull’s current engine supplier, will begin next season—potentially creating an attractive opportunity for Verstappen, who has won all of his titles with Honda-powered machinery.
A recent newspaper report suggested that Aston Martin has been courting potential sponsors by claiming that Verstappen will join the team soon. However, Aston Martin swiftly denied these claims, stating:
“An Aston Martin Aramco spokesperson categorically denied the story.”
Meanwhile, Verstappen’s camp reportedly responded with a short but intriguing remark: “That’s nice.”
Mark Hughes: Verstappen to Aston Martin a “Very Real Possibility”
Despite the official denials, F1 journalist Mark Hughes has claimed that negotiations between Verstappen and Aston Martin are ongoing, describing the move as a “very real possibility” and the “obvious next step” for both parties.
Currently, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are under contract with Aston Martin for at least the next two seasons, making any potential Verstappen move more complex.
Verstappen on Alonso Partnership: “It’s Very Difficult to Say”
Verstappen’s connection with Fernando Alonso has long been recognized. The two drivers share mutual respect, with Verstappen revealing in 2023 that they have even discussed competing together in the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours race.
In a recent interview with Marca, Verstappen was asked whether he could see himself partnering with Alonso or Carlos Sainz in the future. He responded:
“In the future, it’s very difficult to say what will happen. I’m very happy to have been able to race with Fernando and Carlos.”
Verstappen went on to praise the impact of Alonso and Sainz on Formula 1, adding:
“Of course, with Fernando winning the championships, I think he’s already made a big push, and then of course it continues with Carlos as well. It’s fantastic.
In Spain, motorsport and racing in general is very important. They are very passionate. I always love coming to Spain. For me, it’s a country with a lot of memories, I enjoy it very much. Seeing Fernando and Carlos do well is fantastic. I think it also motivates a lot of young people who want to do the same.”
Verstappen’s Contract and Exit Clause Rumors
Despite his long-term deal with Red Bull, Verstappen’s contract reportedly contains a performance clause that allows him to leave before 2028 if the team fails to provide a competitive car.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner confirmed last year that such a performance element exists, fueling speculation that Verstappen could trigger an exit clause if he is outside the top three in the Drivers’ Championship after a significant portion of the 2025 F1 season.
If true, this would be similar to previous exit clauses in Verstappen’s earlier Red Bull contracts.
Aston Martin’s Open Door for Verstappen
Following the team’s presentation of Adrian Newey last year, former Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack stated that the door “is always open” for Verstappen to join.
Verstappen, however, downplayed the immediate possibility of a move, stating at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix:
“It’s something maybe for the future that I think about, but not now.”
However, he admitted that Newey’s signing had made Aston Martin a more attractive option, adding:
“I’ve worked with him, so I know how he is as a person and also what he can do. I think everyone would like to work with Adrian in their career, so potentially.”
Aston Martin’s Aggressive Pursuit of Verstappen
Dutch F1 analyst and former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos recently claimed that Aston Martin is willing to go to great lengths to sign Verstappen, stating:
“They will do everything to sway him, sparing no expense.”
Despite this, Doornbos personally believes that Verstappen is more likely to join Mercedes for F1 2026, citing the strong relationship between the team and driver.
What’s Next for Verstappen?
As speculation intensifies, the key questions remain:
- Will Verstappen leave Red Bull before 2028?
- Can Aston Martin convince him to join their project?
- Is Mercedes still the most likely destination for the reigning champion?
For now, Verstappen remains committed to Red Bull, but with ongoing Aston Martin and Mercedes interest, his F1 future is far from certain.
