Max Verstappen has professed that he is “excited” to see how competitive Aston Martin will be with Adrian Newey leading the team’s work on Formula 1‘s 2026 rules.
Having opted to depart Red Bull in mid-2024, Newey has now settled into his role as Aston Martin’s Managing Technical Partner since taking up the position in March.
Aston Martin harbours hope that obtaining F1’s most celebrated designer to oversee the technical department will transcend its prospects under the new regulations.
Newey’s arrival has coincided with reports that Aston Martin is also prepared to table a mouthwatering proposal to prise Verstappen’s coveted services from Red Bull.
Verstappen continues to be linked with a potential Red Bull departure and a possible reunion with Newey has seen the British marque be billed as a viable destination.
When told Fernando Alonso had heralded the immediate impact Newey has had, Verstappen revealed he is intrigued to see how Aston Martin fares with his expertise.
“It just reminds me of how he was of course with us when I see him in the garage there,” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week.
“Honestly there’s no point anymore to think about it. Adrian is not with us anymore.
“We have a lot of respect still for Adrian or at least I have a lot of respect for Adrian. He’s a great person also besides all the success that he has had with our team as well.
“Now to see him in green of course is a little bit different, but I’m happy for him. I hope he’s happy. That’s the most important [thing] at the end of the day.
“And I’m sure that he will contribute to their success. I’m excited to see what they can do next year when I think he’s finally fully involved.”
Newey warns Aston Martin over Verstappen pursuit
Lawrence Stroll’s desire to turn Aston Martin into title contenders has seen rumours state that he would be willing to table a £226 million package to land Verstappen.
But Newey has warned that the four-time F1 champion will not be interested in a switch without the guarantee that he will have a competitive package at his disposal.
“Max is clearly a phenomenal talent and a supreme competitor,” Newey said in Monaco, where he made his maiden appearance with Aston Martin at a race weekend.
“Part of that means that Max likes to break things down to a single, common equation, and in this particular case, choosing the team that he believes will deliver the fastest car.
“So if we’re ever to attract Max, the first thing we have to do is make a fast car.”
READ MORE – Fernando Alonso downplays initial Adrian Newey concerns at Aston Martin
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