Despite being under contract for the long haul, Max Verstappen has become a focal point of the Formula 1 driver market.
Red Bull will be desperate for Max Verstappen to honour his current contractual agreement.
His deal runs through to the end of 2028, and without him, Red Bull would likely be stuck at the bottom of the constructors’ standings.
Since leaving Racing Bulls, Yuki Tsunoda has picked up seven points for RBR. Liam Lawson, who filled in for two races, didn’t manage to score any during his brief stint.
Toto Wolff hasn’t extended contracts for George Russell or Andrea Kimi Antonelli yet, possibly leaving space open should Verstappen decide to leave Red Bull this season, as Mercedes have been linked to the Dutch driver.
Ralf Bach, a journalist with ties to Verstappen’s circle, thinks another team could still get involved in the race for his signature: Aston Martin.
Aston Martin still an option for Max Verstappen
Speaking on the F1 Insider YouTube channel, Bach was asked about any updates he’d heard regarding Verstappen’s future and replied:
“You have to put yourself in Max Verstappen’s shoes.
“Basically, he’s a loyal guy who would find it hard to leave Red Bull for another team, especially people like Helmut Marko, and so on.
“On the other hand, he obviously has to think about what the technical aspects are. What will the competition look like next year and in the future?
“He is now in a bit of an emotional bind because he already knows that Horner was fired because of him and his camp.
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“[Oliver] Mintzlaff and co. ended up throwing him out because they were too afraid that if he stayed, Max would definitely leave. That’s how it is. He knows that probability is a little higher but not 100%.
Bach continued: “I think by the time of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Max will have a better idea.
“Suddenly, I think Aston Martin is still a little bit in the back of his mind. It’s all about where he can win races next year and where he can win world championship.
“Can he do that with Red Bull? Will Laurent Mekies, Christian Horner’s successor, be the right man to get Red Bull back on the winning track?
“Honda are going to Aston Martin. He knows the Honda people and he trusts them a lot.
“I’ve heard now that Honda is going its own way when it comes to battery technology for next year. So, Ferrari is gone, and Mercedes is on the same level.
“Honda is trying something different. No idea, if that’s better or bad, it’s just different.
“One thing is clear: Red Bull only calms down once Max makes an announcement. Either he leaves the team or he stays. Otherwise, the speculation continues.”
Aston Martin have scored 542 points in their F1 history and aren’t title contenders yet, but they are moving in an intriguing direction under Lawrence Stroll’s ownership.
Adrian Newey looking to McLaren for Aston Martin inspiration
McLaren are the top team in Formula 1 at the moment, but Zak Brown’s earlier attempts to reach Verstappen didn’t gain any traction, according to The Mirror.
With rule changes coming in next year, Verstappen will need to think carefully about what makes the most sense for his future.
Newey and Verstappen had a strong working relationship at Red Bull, and the move might be helped by Verstappen’s trust in Honda’s engine programme.
The British engineer was seen studying McLaren cars on the grid at Silverstone as he looked for ideas ahead of next season.
If Newey can pinpoint what’s giving Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri their speed this year, that could be a strong selling point for Verstappen.
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