Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey, who will retire at the end of this season, has reportedly signed with rival team Aston Martin. And as if that weren’t enough, Italian publication Autosprint is now reporting that Max Verstappen may simply follow in his footsteps.
While it has yet to be confirmed, the outgoing Red Bull designer will join the Lawrence Stroll-owned team, following the effects of his recent stopover at the Silverstone factory just a few months ago. a lucrative bid from billionaire Aston Martin owner and the appeal of racing in the United Kingdom, further softened by the team’s recent significant innovations at its now shiny new factory.
The possible acquisition of Verstappen is related not only to the replacement of Newey, but also to a series of factors that could influence the career of the Dutch champion. Finally, Aston Martin is expected to be powered solely by Honda engines from 2026, a big draw. for Verstappen, given that Honda’s functionality peaked as a benchmark in F1 in 2021.
In addition, Verstappen’s speculated departure from Red Bull may be due more to infighting and accusations of misplaced conduct among members of Red Bull’s upper echelons.
That includes disputes between team principal Christian Horner and chief adviser Helmut Marko, who are said to have differences with Verstappen’s father Jos, which could strengthen him to seek greener pastures. The internal turmoil at Red Bull, coupled with the departure of big names and a less competitive team against rivals such as McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes, provides a solid platform for Verstappen’s departure despite his contract until 2028.
This series of occasions recalls Newey’s past flirtation with Ferrari, which fizzled out over salary disagreements, and the explosive news of Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile’s move to Aston Martin, which is still plagued by disputes. legal about the situations of his departure. Training
Aston Martin is not only positioning itself with well-known names like Newey and Verstappen. At the same time, to make room for the three-time champion, the team could simply seek a direction for current Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll, son of Lawrence, towards its WEC programme, probably driving the Newey. -Valkyrie designed.
If Aston Martin can secure Verstappen and Newey, it’s unclear what can be imagined with the funding of the Strolls. Although the team has struggled so far this season, we may see a strong influx of performances next year, or more likely in 2026.
Alex Harrington has been a journalist for 8 years, specializing in covering technology, cars and motorsports for Sports Illustrated, Men’s Journal and Newsweek publications.
You can watch it on the F1Briefings podcast and the F1Briefings YouTube channel.
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