Aston Martin's master plan to keep Max Verstappen out of Mercedes' hands

Leaving Red Bull?

A drop in form, tensions between Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner, and Adrian Newey leaving have plunged doubt into the future of their star driver, Max Verstappen.

Aston Martin or Mercedes?

With tensions raised in the Verstappen camp, Aston Martin and Mercedes are sniffing around at the possibility of bringing the three-time world champion to their teams.

"Will do everything"

However, it seems as though Aston Martin has put together a master plan to bring Verstappen in, and former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos believes Aston Martin "will do everything" to get "The best of the best" in F1, PlanetF1 reports.

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Star-studded appointments

Aston Martin's stroke of genius started when they partnered with Honda for F1 2026, making the star-studded appointments of former Mercedes engine guru Andy Cowell and ex-Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile.

Adrian Newey on board

The arrivals of Cardile and Cowell substantially increase the likelihood of Adrian Newey joining the Aston Martin team. Newey is the most successful man in F1 with more than 200 race wins, and the majority have come with Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

$100 million

PlanetF1 reports that Newey could earn $100 million over three years at Aston Martin, with team owner Lawrence Stroll aiming to create the most formidable team in the sport.

A powerful lure

The combination of Honda and Newey, with whom Verstappen has achieved all of his success in F1, mixed with the current toxic climate at Red Bull, is likely to hold a strong appeal for the Dutch driver.

Joining Mercedes?

Despite the strong incentives to join Aston Martin, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff wants to bring Verstappen in as early as 2025, according to the Express website, with Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari at the end of the year.

Going in 2026?

Mercedes' open seat looks set to be taken by their driver Kimi Antonelli, who will make his Formula 1 debut in 2025. However, Verstappen could likely join Mercedes in 2026.

Where will he go?

It's no doubt that Mercedes are the stronger favourites to land Verstappen based on their recent history at the top of Formula 1. Still, the lure of forming the perfect team for Verstappen at Aston Martin may be too good to turn down.

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