As the new Formula 1 season has yet to kick off, the question of Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull continues to linger. During pre-season testing at the Sakhir Circuit, the Austrian team hasn’t quite stood out compared to its rivals, McLaren and Ferrari. For the reigning champion, the priority is clear: to remain with a team that has a competitive enough car to fight for victories in every race of the year.
Verstappen has expressed his happiness with his current team and his desire to continue winning with them. However, with Red Bull’s potential for this season still uncertain, no one is ruling out the possibility that if they fail to meet the champion’s expectations, he might explore other options for the next F1 season. According to Johnny Herbert, Aston Martin presents the best opportunity for Verstappen.
A photo of Verstappen and Newey from the archives resurfaces, showcasing their collaboration. Herbert notes, “If an opportunity arises at Aston Martin, I’d be surprised if Max doesn’t take it. He’s well aware that potentially, with Adrian Newey and Honda, Aston Martin will be the place to be.” The former driver believes that the current F1 champion would have a higher chance of succeeding with the Silverstone-based team.
Herbert explains, “Would you give up a chance to be at the top for something that’s worked out well for you in recent years? Racing drivers don’t operate that way. Max doesn’t work that way. Max is there to win, and as he said this year, it’s all about winning. That’s exactly what he wants to do.” Herbert argues that Verstappen won’t stay at Red Bull if they don’t improve their car, making Aston Martin, with Newey on board, the best option.
Verstappen’s Search for the Best Team
For Herbert, the decision becomes much simpler when you know that things aren’t going entirely well with the power unit, and you’re aware that the power unit you’ve had success with will be at Aston Martin as well, alongside Adrian Newey. Despite Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, stating that Verstappen is happy with the team and will stay at least until the 2028 season, Herbert confirms that there’s a possibility he might leave sooner. “Christian has said Max isn’t going anywhere, but I know he has a contract until 2028. However, contracts mean nothing if there’s no performance. The champions I’ve known always have a performance clause.”
Herbert adds, “Max isn’t foolish. He’ll want to put himself in the best position to win races in a world championship.” It won’t be until the Australian Grand Prix that Red Bull’s chances of winning races will become clear, but for now, Verstappen will focus solely on getting the best performance out of the new car to fight for this season’s championships. With the season just around the corner, all eyes will be on Verstappen and Red Bull, wondering if they can deliver the results the champion expects.
As the season progresses, it will become clearer whether Verstappen’s future remains with Red Bull or if he’ll make a move to a team like Aston Martin, which could potentially offer him a better chance at continued success. One thing is certain, though: Max Verstappen’s primary goal is to win, and he’ll do whatever it takes to achieve that. The question on everyone’s mind now is, will that be with Red Bull or another team? Only time will tell.
In the world of Formula 1, where performance and results are paramount, a driver’s loyalty is often tested. As Herbert pointed out, contracts are one thing, but the real measure of a team’s commitment to its driver is the performance on the track. With Verstappen’s contract extending until 2028, it seems like a long-term commitment, but in the fast-paced world of F1, things can change quickly. The upcoming season will be crucial for Red Bull and Verstappen, as they navigate the challenges of the new season and the constant speculation about the driver’s future.
For fans of the sport, the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future only adds to the excitement and anticipation of the new season. As the lights go out at the Australian Grand Prix, signaling the start of another thrilling year of Formula 1, all eyes will be on Verstappen and Red Bull, watching to see if they can deliver the results that the champion expects, and whether their partnership will continue beyond the current season.
