Legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey believes that Max Verstappen`s future team decisions will primarily be guided by his pursuit of the quickest car available. This perspective comes amidst ongoing speculation that Aston Martin, Newey`s new team, might attempt to recruit the Red Bull four-time world champion.
Newey, who recently joined Aston Martin as their managing technical partner after departing Red Bull, made his first public appearance with the team at the Monaco Grand Prix. This was nearly three months after his high-profile switch.
In an interview with Martin Brundle from Sky Sports F1, Newey was asked about the persistent rumours circulating in the paddock regarding Verstappen potentially following him to the ambitious Silverstone-based squad. These rumours are partly fueled by engine manufacturer Honda also switching from Red Bull to supply Aston Martin when the new F1 regulations take effect in 2026.
Responding to the question, Newey described Verstappen:
“I mean Max, obviously a formidable competitor, but he`s also a very simple beast – and I mean that in an entirely complimentary way.”
He elaborated on Verstappen`s motivations:
“He just wants a fast car that he can showcase his talents in.”
Newey concluded his thought on Verstappen`s approach:
“So I suspect Max will always chase who he thinks will produce the fastest car.”
Max Verstappen`s current contract with Red Bull is set to run until the conclusion of the 2028 season. However, it is widely reported that the agreement contains performance clauses that could potentially allow for an earlier departure under specific conditions.
For the 2026 season, Aston Martin has already confirmed their driver lineup, retaining both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.
Newey on Working with Alonso and Stroll
When asked about the prospect of working with two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, 43, for the first time in his career, Newey expressed considerable enthusiasm:
“Fernando, I mean, crikey – what a legend.”
He reflected on missed opportunities with top drivers:
“Always the kind of two regrets of my recent career, if you like, not going back a long way, have been that I haven`t had the opportunity to work with either Lewis [Hamilton] or Fernando. So I`ve now got the opportunity to put one of those right.”
Newey also offered a defence of his other new driver, Lance Stroll, who is the son of Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll.
“Lance, I think, gets an unfairly bad rap.”
He added:
“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.”
