Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull in 2027 if next year’s car struggles

Max Verstappen ‘would not hesitate’ to join Aston Martin for reunion with Newey and Honda

According to Spanish outlet Grada3, Verstappen has become a key target for Aston Martin — and the Dutchman reportedly “would not hesitate” to join them if Red Bull fail to deliver next season. His current deal runs until 2028, but exit clauses could allow him to walk away at the end of 2026.

The report claims Verstappen would be “delighted to reunite with Adrian Newey and Honda” at Aston Martin, prioritising immediate success over staying patient with Red Bull’s development. Even with Newey now serving as team principal, Lawrence Stroll would still guarantee a seat for Lance Stroll alongside Verstappen, forcing Fernando Alonso out and effectively ending the two-time champion’s historic Formula 1 career. Verstappen is now viewed as the “biggest threat” to Alonso’s future on the grid.

What Verstappen has said about Adrian Newey taking over at Aston Martin

When Newey’s move into the team principal role was announced in November, Verstappen was asked by Autosport for his reaction. He noted that several teams are shifting toward technically minded bosses, adding that Aston Martin appear to be following the same trend.

Verstappen said he was “happy to see” Newey in the new role, even if he was unsure how much it would alter Newey’s day-to-day involvement in car development. He also clarified that he had never discussed the move with Newey personally and that taking such a role was never an option for him at Red Bull. Still, Verstappen expressed hope that Aston Martin would benefit from Newey’s expertise.

Aston Martin know how powerful the trio of Newey, Verstappen and Honda can be. Whether they can unite all three again remains uncertain — but if they manage it, expectations of success will be sky-high.