Formula 1’s most dominant force, Max Verstappen, could be on the verge of a shocking move—and Aston Martin is leading the charge to pull him away from Red Bull.
According to respected F1 journalist Mark Hughes, Verstappen’s inner circle is already in “ongoing negotiations” with Aston Martin, as the reigning four-time world champion explores his options amid uncertainty at his current team.
With Red Bull’s stability in question, Mercedes waiting in the wings, and Aston Martin making an all-out bid for F1 supremacy, Verstappen’s future is now the sport’s biggest storyline.
Why would Verstappen leave Red Bull?
On the surface, it seems unthinkable—Verstappen has won four consecutive titles and is contracted with Red Bull until 2028. But beneath that dominance, cracks are forming:
🔴 Red Bull’s 2024 slump – After a record-breaking start, Verstappen went 10 races without a win as Red Bull’s RB20 struggled with balance issues.
🔴 Internal power struggles – Team boss Christian Horner’s leadership has been under fire, with tensions between key Red Bull figures, including Helmut Marko.
🔴 The Adrian Newey factor – The architect of Verstappen’s success, Newey is set to leave Red Bull and join Aston Martin in 2026—a move that instantly makes them a major player in the driver market.
🔴 Honda’s growing influence – The Japanese powerhouse, instrumental in Verstappen’s dominance, will exclusively power Aston Martin from 2026. With Verstappen still having strong ties to Honda, the move makes perfect sense.
Aston Martin’s £1 Billion Power Play
If Red Bull falters again in 2025, Verstappen won’t be short of suitors. But Aston Martin isn’t waiting—reports suggest the team has pitched a £1 billion project to lure Verstappen, a claim they’ve denied but one that aligns with their aggressive expansion strategy.
Team owner Lawrence Stroll has transformed Aston Martin’s Silverstone headquarters, bringing in high-profile hires, including:
✅ Adrian Newey (Technical mastermind behind Red Bull’s dominance)
✅ Honda (Works engine partnership from 2026)
✅ Top engineering talent from Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari
Hughes believes the timing is perfect for Verstappen to make the move:
“Max has been at Red Bull for a decade; it’s a new formula, new engine partner, Adrian Newey’s gone, and he’s won multiple titles already. He’s ready for a new challenge—just as Aston Martin is assembling an incredible team.”
Could Mercedes still swoop in?
Toto Wolff has never hidden his admiration for Verstappen, and with Lewis Hamilton heading to Ferrari, Mercedes is in the market for a superstar.
However, with the team committed to Andrea Kimi Antonelli as its next young talent, Verstappen would have to wait until at least 2026 for a seat—and that might be too long for the Dutchman to wait.
Verstappen’s cryptic response: Is the door open?
While Verstappen remains focused on his immediate Red Bull concerns, he notably did not shut down the idea of a future move.
“I have other worries at the moment… but maybe in the future, I’ll think about it.”
He also acknowledged Newey’s move as a potential game-changer:
“I think everyone would like to work with Adrian in their career, so potentially.”
The Verdict: Is Verstappen really leaving Red Bull?
Right now, the decision lies with Red Bull. If the team produces a dominant RB21, Verstappen may see no reason to leave. But if Red Bull struggles again, the 2026 regulation changes could be the perfect time for him to make a move.
With Newey, Honda, and a billionaire-backed vision, Aston Martin has positioned itself as a serious contender for the biggest driver signing in F1 history.
Could we really see Max Verstappen in British Racing Green in 2026? Don’t rule it out.