The qualities of a four-time world champion like Max Verstappen are undoubtedly unquestionable, even in a season like this, which has not been particularly easy for Red Bull, at least in these first five GPs. Nevertheless, the Dutchman managed to outperform the much-favored McLaren in qualifying in both Japan and Saudi Arabia, going on to win in Suzuka. A driver who knows Verstappen well is Franz Tost, the former Team Principal of Toro Rosso, who witnessed Verstappen’s F1 debut at the age of 17 in the Faenza-based team.
In an interview with F1 Insider, the former Team Principal highlighted the key qualities of Red Bull’s #1 driver, who is currently at the center of attention, especially in the driver market, where Verstappen, according to Tost, could play a unique role: “Max is a very special driver who, first of all, is superior to others in terms of natural speed,” he commented. “Secondly, he is so mentally strong that he can apply his supernatural talent at the crucial moment. That’s what makes him so superior. But first, Red Bull will bring an important upgrade to Imola to significantly improve the car. We hope the Red Bull works well. One thing is certain: Max is in a position where he can choose a team. I think everyone would want to hire him because he’s only three-tenths of a second faster than everyone else per lap: that’s a huge advantage. We’ll see which team will end up with him. He’s still a Red Bull driver, and he has a long-term contract with the team. Now it depends on whether he’ll honor that contract or not. If he moves, there are several teams for him. Mercedes is at the top, but he might also be interested in Aston Martin.”
Franz Tost then identified these two teams as possible future choices for Max Verstappen, explaining which might be the best destination: “Mercedes has shown excellent performance, but of course, they’ll have to consider whether to sign Max, because Russell is performing well at the moment. In the end, it’s up to Toto Wolff to decide,” he added. “My favorite is Aston Martin. The reason: I believe it will be the team of the future. They’ve brought in some really talented people, including Adrian Newey and Andy Cowell. For me, Newey is the best technician in the paddock, and he has immense experience. He’s done it all: he’s been a race engineer, a designer, and knows the subject like the back of his hand. Now they also have Andy Cowell. I remember him from the BMW days. Back then, Cowell built the legendary 10-cylinder engine for BMW, which was by far the best. Then he moved to Mercedes, and as we know, he also did a great job there. In short, Aston Martin has the best man in the automotive sector and the best man in the engine sector. Of course, the responsibility for the new engine coming in 2026 belongs to Honda, not Cowell, but I can well imagine there will be close communication between Honda and Cowell. Honda is not only extremely motivated but also very open. Plus, Aston Martin has a very modern facility with the right infrastructure. That’s why for me, they’re the future. My wish is that he stays with Red Bull because he’s the guarantor of success, more than any other driver,” he concluded. “Now it’s up to Red Bull to provide him with a car that can win races and the World Championship.”
Franz Tost, now a Red Bull consultant and also surprised by the decision at the start of the season to choose Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda as Sergio Perez’s replacement, is nevertheless convinced of one thing, regardless of what Verstappen decides: “Verstappen would win even with a tractor! For example, last year Max did a test lap with a Ferrari GT racing car. That immediately made him two seconds faster than everyone else. Max has a nose for speed, incredible vision, incredible vehicle control, and an incredible feel with any car, regardless of the vehicle. He would immediately be able to tackle any Formula 1 car. Of course, he would then adjust the car to suit his driving style. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Fangio, Senna, Stewart, Lauda, Schumacher, Vettel, or Hamilton,” he responded when asked about a potential comparison with past greats. “They all have one thing in common: they had extraordinary talent, extreme passion and discipline, and they were the best of their era. They made the most of opportunities and made the difference. Also, they were all extremely determined. That’s why I also say that a Fangio today would be in the lead, just like all the other F1 drivers of his time.”
Leave a Reply