A billion-dollar deal for F1 drivers was unheard of until recently when Max Verstappen was linked to Aston Martin. They have denied the $1.2 billion-deal rumor, though. And Verstappen too seems committed to Red Bull. Still, there could be changes to the lineup. Or rather, there should be, according to journalist Jon Noble.
If Verstappen makes a move to Aston Martin, most would place their bets on the champion replacing Lance Stroll. The Canadian’s entire F1 stint has been underwhelming, to say the least. And there doesn’t seem to be any inclination from his end to turn the situation around.
However, Noble thinks even Fernando Alonso‘s place isn’t secure.
“You’ve got Fernando Alonso, approaching the end of his career. Exactly when and where and how long he can go on for, and perform at his best, we don’t know,” Noble said in a video on The Race.
Alonso will be 45 by the time his current deal with Aston Martin expires in 2026. The assumption is that his performances will likely take a dip. Even if they don’t deteriorate too much, Noble’s colleague Ben Anderson is unsure that Alonso will extend his stay for another year. “He’s treating 2026 like his last season.”
For owner Lawrence Stroll, it could be a win-win situation. He wouldn’t want his son Lance to get the boot, and if Verstappen ends up accepting the reported $1.2 billion deal, then he would end up with a perfect replacement for Alonso. An upgrade even, considering Verstappen is only 27 right now.
Then again, if the reigning world champion is up for a move, his options won’t be limited to just one team.
Verstappen’s choice to make
Verstappen recently won his fourth consecutive title with Red Bull, solidifying himself as an all-time great. But the second half of 2024 was stressful, and it became evident that Red Bull won’t be as dominant as it once was, at least until the 2026 regulations come into effect.
2026 will also be a defining year for Red Bull since they will begin their partnership with Ford that season. So, Verstappen could wait to see what the American manufacturer can provide him.
If it isn’t par and Red Bull’s struggles remain or get worse, he could jump ship to Aston Martin, who will have Honda on board — the Japanese company that powered Verstappen to all of his title wins so far. Of course, Aston Martin is not the only team he could join.
There are chances of the Red Bull driver joining Mercedes, a team that is expected to nail the regulation changes because of their good reputation in engine development.
“Mercedes comes with an offer, he is going to jump ship straight away. If I were in his shoes, for sure I would be looking at that already,” said former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya.
However, Aston Martin would have the upper hand. Not just because of money, but due to the presence of aero-god Adrian Newey, who is set to join Aston Martin in March of this year. And it was the Briton who was one of the main brains behind Red Bull’s success in F1.
