Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested that Max Verstappen might transition to Aston Martin following the 2026 season. Although Verstappen will remain with Red Bull next year, his future beyond that hinges primarily on the competitiveness of the car Red Bull produces under the guidance of team principal Laurent Mekies. The Dutch driver aims for continued success, but the 2026 season will be pivotal in deciding whether he stays or explores other options.
Raymond Vermeulen, Verstappen’s manager, emphasized the importance of the upcoming year in their partnership with Red Bull. Vermeulen noted that if Red Bull manages to deliver a vehicle capable of winning races and consistently reaching the podium, Verstappen is likely to extend his contract with the Milton Keynes-based team. This highlights how closely the four-time champion’s career decisions depend on the technical performance offered to him.
“Max wants to win more championships in the future. He’s not done in that regard, but he is dependent on the equipment. So I think 2026 will be a very important year, one that will determine where his future lies in Formula 1,” Raymond Vermeulen, Max Verstappen’s manager
If Red Bull fails to provide a championship-contending car, speculation has grown around Verstappen’s potential destinations. Mercedes has often been cited as a likely suitor, especially since the Silver Arrows are predicted to excel under new technical regulations designed for 2026. However, Montoya believes that Aston Martin represents a more logical and sensible option for Verstappen’s next career move, owing to the familiarity and existing relationships within the team.
“I think next year, if Red Bull doesn’t work, Max will choose between Aston Martin and Mercedes, whoever is more competitive. Realistically, I think the Aston makes a lot more sense – it is familiar territory,” Juan Pablo Montoya, former F1 driver
Joining Aston Martin would reunite Verstappen with Adrian Newey, the renowned technical director largely responsible for the Dutch driver’s four F1 championship titles at Red Bull. Newey’s expertise provides a strong foundation for Aston Martin’s future competitiveness. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso has indicated the Lawrence Stroll-led outfit could be a genuine championship contender by 2027, possibly even as early as 2026, based on the expected gains from the new regulations.
Insights into Verstappen’s Discussions with Mercedes During Summer Break
During the mid-season break in Sardinia, Italy, Max Verstappen and Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff held private discussions, which also involved their respective partners on a yacht. This encounter fueled rumors within the paddock about Verstappen’s potential interest in moving to Mercedes, especially as the German team currently has neither of its drivers locked in for the 2026 season.
Despite the speculation, Wolff disclosed that their conversation did not delve deeply into sporting or strategic matters. Instead, the exchange was described as more personal in nature, distancing it from direct contract negotiations or race-related discussions.
“We didn’t discuss big sporting methods too much in the summer. It was more on a, let’s say, personal level,” Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal
Even with Verstappen’s implied commitment to Red Bull for next season, Mercedes is yet to finalize contract renewals for current driver George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, increasing the uncertainty about the team’s 2026 lineup. With just seven races remaining in the 2025 season, including the upcoming night race in Singapore scheduled for early October, the driver market remains active and under close observation.
How Verstappen’s Choice Could Affect F1’s Competitive Landscape
The decision Max Verstappen makes after 2026 will have significant implications for Formula 1’s competitive dynamics. Choosing Aston Martin would strengthen a team expected to rise under new technical rules and reunite the driver with key personnel instrumental in his previous successes. Conversely, joining Mercedes would position Verstappen within a team that has proven dominance in recent years and remains a strong contender with changes on the horizon.
Red Bull’s ability to maintain or enhance its status as a top challenger will be crucial to retaining Verstappen, whose ambition to add more championships remains clear. The 2026 season stands as a crossroads, defining whether Verstappen continues with his current team or embraces a fresh challenge with Aston Martin or another leading contender. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, as these developments will shape the future of the sport’s driver grid and team rivalries.
