Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has admitted that he is watching Aston Martin’s progress with curiosity and interest — a comment that carries significant weight given his dominant role in modern Formula 1. From Silverstone, the team’s new CEO Andy Cowell responded with satisfaction: “It’s flattering that a driver like Max is paying close attention to our project.”
Verstappen, who has ruled over Formula 1 for the past four seasons, remains the only driver capable of consistently challenging McLaren in the 2025 title fight. Although his contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, the Dutchman is clearly keeping a close eye on what’s happening elsewhere in the paddock.
Over recent months, his name has been linked to several teams — Mercedes most notably. Team principal Toto Wolff has never hidden his desire to work with Verstappen one day, although he admitted that for now, Brackley’s 2025 line-up of George Russell and young Andrea Kimi Antonelli is already set.
“Max will stay with Red Bull, at least for now,” Wolff said, implying that Verstappen’s long-term deal represents a major obstacle to any short-term move.
Aston Martin’s growing ambition with Cowell and Newey
Aston Martin, however, has become a real center of attraction. Following Lawrence Stroll’s massive investments, the opening of the new technology campus, the expansion of the Silverstone factory, and the arrival of major figures such as Adrian Newey, the team has evolved from a survival-based operation into an ambitious and structured long-term project.
“Since Stroll bought the team, he’s always turned words into action. If you look at the investments being made and the people joining, it’s clear that the goal is to win,” Andy Cowell explained in an interview with Motorsport.
Cowell, a key architect of Mercedes’ success during the hybrid era, now acts as the driving force behind Aston Martin’s organizational growth. His leadership, combined with Honda’s return as power unit supplier from 2026, has reignited belief in the British brand’s potential to become one of the main contenders of the next regulatory era.
“It’s flattering that Max is taking an interest in what we’re doing. It means the paddock recognizes our determination and the direction we’re heading in. We’re building something that goes beyond survival — we want to win,” added the British manager.
Alonso, Stroll and the 2026 puzzle
For now, Aston Martin’s driver line-up remains unchanged: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will continue into 2025, ensuring technical continuity and internal stability. Beyond that horizon, however, the picture is less defined.
Alonso has yet to confirm his plans beyond 2026, waiting to evaluate both the team’s competitiveness and Honda’s upcoming power unit. Inside the Silverstone camp, the message is clear: the focus is not on the names of the drivers but on the quality of the car itself.
“When I speak with Adrian and our engineers,” Cowell concluded, “our top priority is to build a car so fast that it attracts anyone. We want every driver with a Super Licence to dream of driving for us.”
A vision that could tempt Verstappen
Verstappen, who has repeatedly praised Aston Martin’s ability to “think big,” seems to admire the pragmatic approach of the team’s new management. While the Silverstone squad has not yet reached the level of Formula 1’s front-runners, its development program is widely regarded as one of the most solid and ambitious in the paddock.
If 2026 truly marks Aston Martin’s breakthrough year — with Honda’s new power unit and Adrian Newey’s technical vision — it might not be unthinkable that one day Max Verstappen could seriously consider dressing in green.
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