Max Verstappen’s meteoric rise in Formula 1 has been nothing short of extraordinary. But the combination of internal turmoil at Red Bull, the arrival of Adrian Newey at Aston Martin, and Verstappen’s changing priorities could set the stage for a dramatic switch.
Debuting with Toro Rosso in 2015, he swiftly ascended to Red Bull Racing, where he became the youngest race winner in F1 history at just 18 years old.
Over the years, he has developed into one of the most dominant drivers the sport has ever seen. Verstappen secured multiple world championships and became the face of Red Bull’s success.
However, despite his contract running until 2028, growing speculation suggests he may not see it through, particularly given his personal and professional circumstances.
The Red Bull turmoil: A team in crisis?
Despite Red Bull’s continued dominance on track, the team has faced serious internal challenges in 2024. Team Principal Christian Horner was at the centre of an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.
Although Red Bull’s internal review cleared him, the controversy created a rift within the team.
Key personnel, including Helmut Marko and Adrian Newey, reportedly found themselves at odds with the situation, leading to unease within the organisation.
This was only exacerbated by rumours of internal power struggles, particularly between Horner and Red Bull’s Austrian parent company. Adrian Newey’s decision to leave Red Bull after nearly two decades sent shockwaves through the paddock.
The legendary F1 designer, whose expertise has been instrumental in Red Bull’s dominance, was seen as a pillar of stability. His departure raised questions about Red Bull’s long-term technical strength, and Verstappen’s admiration for Newey has long been well-documented.
Newey was one of the key figures in designing the dominant cars in which Verstappen thrived. The close working relationship could be a determining factor in the driver’s future.
Aston Martin’s rise and Newey’s influence
Aston Martin has undergone a quiet revolution under Lawrence Stroll’s ownership. They heavily invested in infrastructure, personnel, and their Silverstone headquarters.
Their aggressive recruitment of top engineering talent, including former Red Bull figures like Dan Fallows, has shown their commitment to breaking into the top-tier F1 teams.
Yet, despite flashes of brilliance, particularly in the early part of the 2023 season, they have struggled to consistently challenge Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari.
Newey’s arrival at Aston Martin could be the missing piece of the puzzle.
The British designer is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the sport, having masterminded title-winning machines for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull.
If he can bring his technical genius to Aston Martin and create a car capable of challenging for championships, it could be a game-changer in Verstappen’s decision-making process.
Verstappen has previously spoken about how much he values Newey. He even called him “one of the most important people” in his career.
The two have shared a strong bond, with Newey understanding exactly what Verstappen needs from a car to extract maximum performance.
If Verstappen were to leave Red Bull, it is difficult to imagine a more attractive proposition than reuniting with the engineer who has helped him dominate the sport.
Verstappen’s changing priorities
One of the most significant factors in Verstappen’s future is his evolving perspective on life outside of racing. The Dutchman has repeatedly stated that he does not see himself remaining in F1 into his late 30. Unlike some drivers who are motivated by record-breaking ambitions, Verstappen has made it clear that he prioritises happiness over statistics.
A significant development in his personal life is that Verstappen is about to become a father. His partner, Kelly Piquet, already has a child from her previous relationship. Verstappen has expressed a desire to be a present and involved father.
In several interviews, he has hinted that he does not want to spend his entire life on the road. This suggests that he may not remain in the sport much longer once he starts a family of his own.
His father, Jos Verstappen, recently stated that Max is not the type to chase numbers and would be content to walk away if he no longer enjoys the sport.
With the F1 calendar expanding to a record-breaking 24 races in 2024, Verstappen’s dissatisfaction with the growing schedule has been evident. He has voiced concerns about burnout and the lack of downtime between seasons.
This suggests that any move he makes in the future will be dictated by performance and the work-life balance.
Will Verstappen make the move?
While Aston Martin’s ambitions and Newey’s arrival make them an appealing prospect, several challenges remain. One major hurdle is their current driver lineup. Fernando Alonso, while still delivering at an elite level, is nearing the end of his career. The other seat is occupied by Lance Stroll, whose father owns the team.
Unless Lawrence Stroll is willing to move his son aside—a scenario that seems unlikely—finding space for Verstappen could be complicated.
However, should Alonso retire, Verstappen would be the ideal candidate to replace him in a fully-fledged championship push.
Ultimately, Verstappen’s decision will hinge on three key elements: Red Bull’s internal stability, Aston Martin’s ability to become a true title contender, and his own personal aspirations as he starts a new chapter in his life.
If Red Bull continues to struggle behind the scenes and Aston Martin—with Newey at the helm—presents a realistic path to more championships, the idea of a move may become increasingly difficult for Verstappen to ignore.
As the F1 landscape continues to shift, one thing is clear: Verstappen holds all the power in determining his next step.
Feature Image Credit: Aston Martin Media Portal
