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Max Verstappen’s Future in F1: Speculations Intensify Following Bahrain Grand Prix

After a below-par performance for Red Bull Racing at the Bahrain Grand Prix, discussions surrounding Max Verstappen’s potential switch to another Formula 1 team in 2026 have gained momentum. This speculation is fueled by the considerable financial proposal reportedly on the table from Aston Martin, estimated to exceed £1 billion over the next five years.

Despite Verstappen being under contract until the conclusion of the 2028 season, F1 contracts generally contain performance-related clauses that can influence both the driver and team. It may seem unusual for a driver who secured victory earlier this season and finds himself just eight points shy of the championship leader to contemplate leaving. However, the current climate may spur such considerations.

This potential move would involve strategic foresight, looking beyond immediate circumstances. As Red Bull prepares to develop its own engines for next season, backed by investment and branding from Ford, Honda is transitioning its focus towards Aston Martin. Notably, Adrian Newey, a key figure at Red Bull, is anticipated to spearhead the project at Aston Martin, a loss that Red Bull is feeling acutely.

A significant complication in this scenario is the status of Aston Martin’s current drivers, both of whom have contracts extending through 2026. Displacing either driver presents a challenge, particularly given Lance Stroll’s position as the son of the team’s owner, making his departure less likely.

Fernando Alonso, in a recent FIA press conference in Jeddah, addressed the rumors regarding Verstappen’s possible move, stating, “I don’t think so, as I have a contract for next year. But I see the rumours. It’s very good for the team. The world champion is sometimes linked with other teams and a possible departure from Red Bull, and the teams they are commenting are Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Ferrari.”

Alonso further remarked on the promising future of Aston Martin, affirming his commitment to the team. “As I said always, even last year when I extended the contract, I will drive for as long as I feel fast and I feel competitive and the team needs me behind the wheel. My contract is much longer than my racing career, so I will stay with this team for many years in a different role. And if that means I can win a world championship while I’m not behind the wheel, I will still feel very proud of the project.”

When asked about the prospect of having Verstappen as a teammate, Alonso expressed willingness but noted, “Yes, but it’s unlikely to happen. Very unlikely.”

Only a year has passed since Alonso confirmed a contract extension that secures his place until the end of the 2026 season. At that point, he reportedly had options from both Red Bull and Mercedes, illustrating his competitive market value.

Alonso’s first year at Aston Martin has shown promise, highlighted by several competitive races early in the 2023 season. A missed opportunity to win the Monaco Grand Prix—due to a miscalculated decision to stay out on slick tires during a rain shower—demonstrates how close he has been to podium finishes. However, performance has since normalized, with the team now contending in the midfield.

The pressing question is whether Newey can implement substantial changes in Aston Martin’s performance strategies. Team principal and CEO Andy Cowell mentioned that Newey’s attention would primarily be on the 2026 project but might overlap with the development of the 2025 car for performance analysis.

Given these dynamics, Aston Martin’s position in the 2026 grid remains a matter of speculation. It’s understandable, then, that Verstappen, during the pre-Jeddah press conference where he and Alonso were both present, chose to downplay the discussions tying him to a team shift. “A lot of people are talking about it – except me,” he remarked curtly.

Conclusion

The upcoming seasons in Formula 1 promise to be intriguing as not only Verstappen’s future but the overall structure and competitiveness of teams like Aston Martin will undeniably shape the championship landscape.

Source
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