September 12th 2024.
Max Verstappen, the talented Dutch driver, has been racing for Red Bull since 2016 and has a contract with them until 2028. However, there have been rumors circulating about a possible departure from the team. Verstappen has not ruled out the idea of reuniting with F1 car designer, Adrian Newey, at Aston Martin. This news comes after Newey recently signed a five-year deal with the British team, turning down offers from other top teams like Ferrari and Mercedes.
Newey's departure from Red Bull after 18 years has raised concerns about the team's future success, especially since he played a crucial role in helping them win six constructors' championships and seven drivers' championships. Verstappen himself has been linked to leaving Red Bull, partly due to the tension between his father and team principal, Christian Horner. Mercedes had shown interest in signing the 26-year-old driver, but Verstappen has always maintained his loyalty to Red Bull and has no plans of leaving anytime soon.
However, with Newey's move to Aston Martin, there have been speculations that the team could try to secure Verstappen's services in the future. Aston Martin's team boss, Mike Krack, even stated that the "door for Max Verstappen is always open." When asked about this possibility, Verstappen replied, "That is something maybe for the future that I think about, but not now." He also added that he has a good relationship with Newey and is happy for him to take on new challenges.
If Verstappen were to join Aston Martin, he would have to wait until 2027 at the earliest, as the team's current drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, have long-term contracts. Alonso, a two-time F1 champion, will be 45 years old when his contract expires in 2026. The Spanish driver has not ruled out the idea of staying in F1 beyond that and has expressed his desire to win a third title before retiring. "I will be driving in 2026. After that, I will be driving in Formula 1 or other series," Alonso stated. "If I am not driving in Formula 1, I will be in the Aston Martin team, somehow, so I will enjoy that future."
Alonso acknowledged that winning a championship takes time, and at his age, he does not have much time left. However, he remains optimistic and is enjoying the journey. "Step-by-step we have all to have that first race win and hopefully fight for championships in the future. I am aware this takes time, and I don’t have that time in a way. But I’m relaxed and I’m enjoying the journey," he said. Both Verstappen and Alonso seem to have an open mind about their future in F1 and are focused on their current teams for now.
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