Fixed Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, 27, will leave the Red Bull team at the end of 2025. The information is from the Italian newspaper “La Gazzetta Dello Sport”. The Dutch has two possible destinations for 2026: Aston Martin is a favorite with Mercedes behind.
Verstappen has a contract until December 2028, but the bond has exit clauses. Rumors about the end of the marriage to Red Bull, where it has been very strong since 2016 in recent weeks.
Verstappen: Pilot Future
The scenario seems to show that Verstappen goes to Aston Martin, being a pair of Fernando Alonso. So Lance Stroll would lose his post. Importantly, Alonso and Stroll have a contract until December 2026.
According to “La Gazzetta dello Sport”, the Dutchman would have refused the insistent advances of Toto Wolff to take him to Mercedes. Verstappen would be seduced by Aston Martin’s ambitious project, which should undergo a major transformation if the PUF (Public Investment Fund), a background linked to heir prince Mohammed Bin Salman, realizes the purchase of the team.
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The PIF is already the main sponsor of Aston Martin, through the Aramco, as well as detaining 20% of the actions of the manufacturer Aston Martin Lagonda. Now the fund would be about to assume all the team, with the goal of winning titles.
Aston Martin will be partnered with Honda from 2026 and is attended by Adrian Newey. The questions are huge team assets.
Red Bull: Double for 2026
Without Max Verstappen, Red Bull will need to look for a new partner for Yuki Tsunoda. There is no rumors about who the substitute will be.
The team will have their own engine, made in partnership with Ford next season.
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