Adrian Newey, the renowned Formula 1 designer, has expressed his belief that Max Verstappen will prioritize driving the fastest car possible when making future career decisions, fueling speculation about a potential move to Aston Martin. This remark comes amid rumors that Aston Martin could approach Red Bull’s four-time world champion as F1 enters a new era with updated regulations.
Newey recently attended his first Grand Prix with Aston Martin at Monaco, nearly three months after leaving Red Bull to become their managing technical partner. His arrival coincides with Honda’s engine supply shift from Red Bull to Aston Martin starting next season, adding to the speculation around Verstappen’s future path.
Newey Describes Verstappen’s Competitive Drive
During an interview with Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle, Newey discussed the ongoing rumors regarding Verstappen potentially joining Aston Martin. He emphasized Verstappen’s straightforward approach to competition, explaining that the Dutch driver’s primary focus is on competing in the fastest car available.
“I mean Max, obviously a formidable competitor, but he’s also a very simple beast – and I mean that in an entirely complimentary way,”
Newey said.
He added that Verstappen’s ambition boils down to a simple principle:
“So I suspect Max will always chase who he thinks will produce the fastest car.”
Current Contract Situations and Team Lineups
Max Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull currently extends through the 2028 season, though performance clauses may allow for an earlier exit depending on circumstances. Meanwhile, Aston Martin has secured Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll for the 2026 season, making any Verstappen move complex.
Newey also shared his thoughts on working with Aston Martin’s drivers. Reflecting on the veteran Alonso, he called the two-time world champion a legend and expressed personal regret about not having collaborated with him earlier in his career.
“So I’ve now got the opportunity to put one of those right.”
Regarding Lance Stroll, son of Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll, Newey defended his performance record, suggesting the Canadian driver receives unfair criticism.
“You look actually at Lance’s performance against his team-mates, when he was up against Checo [Perez], Sebastian [Vettel], now Fernando, he’s no slouch at all.”
Overview of the Upcoming Spanish Grand Prix Weekend Schedule
As Formula 1’s European triple header progresses, the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona offers a packed weekend of action. Coverage will begin on Friday with practice sessions and qualifying rounds scheduled through Sunday’s main race.
The detailed schedule is as follows:
- Thursday, May 29: 2pm Drivers’ Press Conference
- Friday, May 30: Practice sessions for Formula 3, Formula 2, and F1, including Spanish GP Practice One at 12:30pm and Practice Two at 4pm, with qualifying rounds for F3 and F2 earlier in the day
- Saturday, May 31: Sprint races for F3 and F2, Spanish GP Practice Three at 11:30am, and F1 Qualifying at 3pm
- Sunday, June 1: Feature races for F3 and F2 starting early morning, followed by the Spanish Grand Prix at 2pm, with post-race reactions scheduled after the chequered flag at 4pm
Sky Sports F1 will broadcast the events live, including coverage on its Main Event channel, with streaming options available via NOW TV.
Implications of Verstappen’s Potential Team Move and Future F1 Dynamics
The speculation about Max Verstappen’s possible transfer to Aston Martin has stirred the paddock, driven by Honda’s shift to supply the British team and Newey’s recent move. Verstappen’s focus on securing the fastest car highlights his competitive mindset and suggests that his future choice will hinge heavily on which team can deliver the leading performance.
If Verstappen pursues a switch before his contract’s end, it could reshape the balance of power in Formula 1, intensifying the rivalry between Aston Martin and Red Bull. Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s continued investment in experienced drivers like Alonso and rising talents such as Stroll indicates their commitment to becoming championship contenders.
Newey’s presence and technical expertise may enhance Aston Martin’s prospects, but only time will reveal if Verstappen will follow this path or continue his career at Red Bull, where his impressive title streak has been built.
