Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has said that Max Verstappen will “drive where he can win” amid reports linking him with a potential Formula 1 switch to Aston Martin.
The announcement that Aston Martin has signed revered F1 designer Adrian Newey has triggered rumours that the team could turn its attention towards Verstappen.
Aston Martin boss Mike Krack has conceded that its “door is open” to Verstappen, while the reigning F1 champion did not rule out a move materialising down the line.
The Silverstone-based squad has invested mass sums in renovating its facilities and assembling a star-studded technical team which Newey will oversee from 2025.
Furthermore, in 2026 Aston Martin will partner with engine supplier Honda, which has expressed a wish to reunite with Verstappen past its existing deal with Red Bull.
Despite languishing fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, Marko has acknowledged that Aston Martin is on the right path towards producing a winning setup in F1.
“Max drives where he can win,” Marko, who brought Verstappen through into F1, told Kleine Zeitung.
“Aston Martin has the most modern factory, the wind tunnel will be operational next year and Honda engines will be added to that. Everything fits.”
Newey Will Bring Success
Marko has admitted that Newey’s unmatched track record in the sport makes it close to a guarantee that his addition will ensure Aston Martin realises its ambitions.
“If you look at history, it is clear: wherever Newey has gone, there has been an upward trend,” he said. “I don’t know why it should be any different at Aston Martin.”
However, he has warned that the inevitable adaption period that will come upon Newey’s arrival next March will have an impact on Aston Martin’s prospects in 2026.
He added: “Adrian Newey cannot start until March 1, 2025, which is already relatively late. The whole team at Aston Martin certainly needs to get used to each other first.”
Meanwhile, Marko has insisted that Verstappen, who boasts a contract through 2028, will have no reason to depart Red Bull should it deliver title-winning equipment.
The Dutchman harbours a considerable 62-point lead with eight rounds remaining in 2024, but Red Bull’s recent issues have placed his championship in minor doubt.
“He knows that he can win titles with us too if we can get through this World Championship now,” he concluded. “That is also an absolute must.”
Discussion about this post