As speculation continues to grow around the future of Max Verstappen in Formula 1, one key question dominates the 2026 driver market: which team will the four-time world champion choose? Will Max Verstappen remain at Oracle Red Bull Racing, or will he make the switch to Mercedes under the leadership of Toto Wolff? Alternatively, could he reunite with legendary designer Adrian Newey at Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team? Motorsport journalist Matteo Novembrini recently discussed the situation during an interview with Pit-Talk, providing insight into why Aston Martin may not yet be a realistic destination for the Dutch driver.
With the 2026 driver market heating up, it is clear that the direction Verstappen chooses will have major implications across the paddock. According to Matteo Novembrini of AutoSprint, it is difficult to predict Verstappen’s next move, but there remains a strong chance he will continue with Red Bull for at least one more season.
“I wish I had a clear answer,” said Matteo Novembrini. “The rumours linking Verstappen to Mercedes have been circulating for more than a year. Personally, I’ve always believed Max would want to evaluate how the fully Red Bull-powered car and engine perform in 2026. Despite Ford’s branding and some involvement on the electrical side, we all know the power unit is being developed entirely by Red Bull. I have always imagined that he would want to test that project.”
However, Matteo Novembrini also pointed out an unexpected variable: “I had expected to see Christian Horner leading Red Bull’s 2026 program—especially considering the new engine was largely his initiative after it became clear that a partnership with Porsche was off the table. So, I can’t say anything with certainty. Based on what I’ve always believed, I still expect Max Verstappen to remain with Red Bull for 2026, but if he were to leave for Mercedes, I would not be surprised either.”
When it comes to Aston Martin, Matteo Novembrini explained that although it once seemed a likely candidate, the team might still be a few steps away from making such a high-profile signing.
“In truth, before Mercedes, I would have thought Aston Martin would be a more plausible destination. But right now, they seem slightly sidelined. It feels like they are focusing on the medium term,” Matteo Novembrini explained. “Adrian Newey has already identified areas for improvement, such as the simulator, and he knows it will take time to properly integrate into the team.”
Newey himself, according to Novembrini, has been realistic about the timeline for Aston Martin’s rise. “He said it himself—this is not the time to sign drivers like Verstappen, because there are still several building blocks missing before the team can truly compete at the top. It’s a similar mindset to what we saw at Red Bull when Newey first arrived in Milton Keynes. It took time, but once everything came together, the team found massive success.”
Matteo Novembrini added that Aston Martin might retain its current line-up of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso through 2026 before making a major move for a top-tier driver. “Lawrence Stroll may decide to stick with the current line-up for a year or two, assess the situation in 2026, and then go after a big name like Max Verstappen. That’s why I believe Verstappen is still considering staying with Red Bull. After all, if he’s going to switch teams, it’s logical to at least try one more season with Red Bull’s in-house engine. And if things don’t go well, he can walk away next year. Whether it’s Mercedes or Aston Martin, he won’t struggle to find a seat.”
Ultimately, Matteo Novembrini concluded, “If Verstappen does decide to leave at the end of the year, I wouldn’t be shocked.”
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