Sport

Max Verstappen open to Aston Martin move ‘in the future’ after Adrian Newey deal

Dutch driver has won the last three world championships in a Newey-designed car

Max Verstappen walks in the paddock ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. Photograph: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Max Verstappen walks in the paddock ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. Photograph: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Thu Sept 12 2024 - 15:43

Max Verstappen says a move to Aston Martin could be something to think about “for the future” after team principal Mike Krack said the door was always open for the Dutchman to follow Adrian Newey.

Newey, considered the greatest Formula One technical mastermind of his generation, has signed a long-term deal to join Aston Martin on March 1st in a move which will earn him in the region of €24 million a year.

The 65-year-old Briton’s departure from Red Bull, after almost two decades with the team, was announced in May.

Verstappen, under contract at Red Bull until 2028, has won the last three world championships in a Newey-designed car.

READ MORE

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Krack was open to the possibility of a move for Verstappen and the latter did not dismiss the idea of linking up with Newey again.

“That is something maybe for the future that I think about, but not now,” Verstappen said. “It [Newey’s departure] is fine, Adrian and I have a very good understanding. I sent him a message after the news came out so I am happy for him.

“I always said I would have loved him to stay but you cannot overturn these things. I am just excited for people seeking new challenges. I know Lawrence [Stroll] is pushing flat out to make it a success at Aston Martin.”

Krack believes that the arrival of Newey, who has won world championships at Williams, McLaren and Red Bull, is a signal of intent from owner Stroll and will make the team an attractive proposition.

“The door for Max Verstappen is always open I think, for everything,” Krack said. “We will be more attractive for every area just for that signing, due to the increased credibility. It is proof that this project can achieve its targets.”

Newey will team up with Stroll’s 25-year-old son, Lance, and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, 43, who is under contract until the end of 2026.

Alonso will turn 45 during the 2026 season – the first in which Newey will have had a full input into the car design.

But Krack believes Alonso will be invigorated by the chance to work with Newey and hinted he could remain at the Silverstone-based team beyond his current deal.

“He may want to stay longer now. We have not had these conversations but I think it is clear Fernando has a long future in this team,” Krack added.

“You can see the huge respect that these two people have for each other and I think that Adrian has always wanted to work with someone like Fernando and vice versa.”

Newey was widely linked with a move to Ferrari, where he would have teamed up with incoming seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Asked if he was disappointed that Newey would not be joining the Scuderia, Hamilton said: “Honestly, no. While I have said before that it would be an honour to work with Adrian, I have been part of two championship-winning teams that didn’t have Adrian.

“I think any team would have been happy to have him. At the end of the day he had to do what is right for him.

“It doesn’t change my goal or my focus for my next move. I still believe 100 per cent that there is lots we can do.”