Franz Tost, the former boss of Red Bull’s junior Formula 1 team, has confidently named Aston Martin as the favorite to sign Max Verstappen. This statement comes despite the reigning F1 champion being under contract with Red Bull until 2028. Recently, concerns have been voiced by senior team figure Helmut Marko about retaining their star driver amidst intense competition and evolving team dynamics.
Tost believes that Aston Martin is poised to attract Verstappen away from the energy drink giant, citing the revitalization of their backroom staff, which is anchored by legendary designer Adrian Newey. While the current season may not position Lawrence Stroll’s team as an obvious choice for a championship-driven Verstappen, upcoming regulation changes are anticipated to significantly alter the competitive landscape, allowing Aston Martin to launch their first Newey-designed car.
During an interview with Sport1, Tost expressed his views, stating, “Aston Martin is the favourite for me personally. The reason: I believe that Aston will be the team of the future. They have brought in very, very good people, including Adrian Newey and Andy Cowell.” The belief in the team’s potential is underscored by Tost’s praise for Newey, whom he recognizes as the best engineer in the paddock, and Cowell, whose impressive track record includes creating the legendary ten-cylinder engine during his time at BMW and substantial successes with Mercedes.
Tost added, “To summarize: Aston Martin has the best man in the vehicle sector and the best man in the powertrain.” Although Honda is the primary entity behind the new engine set to debut in 2026, Tost is optimistic about the collaboration between Honda and Cowell, indicating that Honda’s motivation and openness could foster a fruitful partnership. He also highlighted that Aston Martin boasts a modern factory equipped with outstanding facilities, reinforcing his belief in the team’s bright future.
As Aston Martin positions itself as a serious contender for Max Verstappen’s services, the implications of such a move could reshape the competitive dynamics in Formula 1, suggesting exciting prospects for the upcoming seasons and the potential for challenging current powerhouses.
