Max Verstappen has admitted it is “difficult” to predict “what will happen” in Formula 1 as he was quizzed on a potential partnership with Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin.
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028 and won his fourth successive title last season, but that hasn’t dispelled persistent rumours linking him with a move elsewhere.
The Dutchman’s deal is known to include certain exit clauses related to Red Bull’s competitiveness, which could become active should its downturn continue in 2025.
Red Bull began last season with a dominant advantage, but balance issues with the RB20 culminated in a sharp dip which saw the squad relinquish the Constructors’ title.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has stated the team must provide Verstappen with a better package this season to avoid losing its star asset amid interest from Mercedes.
However, Aston Martin is also thought to be retaining tabs on the situation, with a recent report claiming that it had told prospective sponsors that a deal might be in the works.
The Silverstone-based squad has been touted as a suitable next destination should Verstappen choose to leave Red Bull as it would give him the chance to reunite with storied designer Adrian Newey and Honda.
But a possible switch would be dependent on room becoming available at Aston Martin as Alonso and Lance Stroll, son of team owner Lawrence, are tied down until 2026.
Asked whether he could see himself partnering Alonso or ex-team-mate Carlos Sainz, Verstappen told Marca: “In the future, it’s very difficult to say what will happen.
I’m very happy to have been able to race with Fernando and Carlos.”
Verstappen hails Alonso, Sainz impact on F1 in Spain
Spain has had an uninterrupted presence on the calendar since 1986, but it wasn’t until Alonso’s emergence in the 2000s that F1 reached out to the mainstream audience.
Verstappen, whose maiden F1 win came in Barcelona back in 2016, commended the impact that both Alonso and have had on their nation’s ardent support for the sport.
“It’s great” he added. “Of course, with Fernando winning the championships [in 2005 and 2006], I think he’s already made a big push, and then of course it continues with Carlos as well.
“It’s fantastic, of course. In Spain, motorsport and racing in general is very important. They are very passionate. I always love coming to Spain.
“For me, it’s a country with a lot of memories, I enjoy it very much. Seeing Fernando and Carlos do well is fantastic. I think it also motivates a lot of young people who want to do the same.”
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