Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell remained tight-lipped when pressed about the growing speculation that reigning World Champion Max Verstappen could one day race for the Silverstone-based squad.
With Verstappen’s future at Red Bull increasingly under scrutiny, the prospect of a seismic driver market shakeup is a widely debated topic in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix paddock this weekend.
The Dutchman’s long-term commitment to Red Bull has been questioned after motorsport advisor Helmut Marko publicly expressed "great concern" over Verstappen’s status within the team.
That remark has added fuel to whispers linking the four-time world champion to alternative destinations – one of which is Aston Martin, a team that will be powered by Honda from 2026 and strengthened by the arrival earlier this year of legendary designer Adrian Newey.
Cowell Keeps Cards Close to Chest
During Friday’s team principals’ press conference, Cowell was asked directly whether Aston Martin would be interested in Verstappen’s services. The response was cautious and non-committal.
“We’re incredibly fortunate that we’ve got two incredibly experienced drivers signed for the next two years, and that means I can just focus on trying to help improve the business and the art of making a fast race car,” Cowell said.
Pressed further on whether his answer effectively ruled out Verstappen for 2026, Cowell reiterated, “I’m saying that my head is full of improving the company so that we can make a fast race car for Lance and Fernando.”
Stroll’s Ambition and Alonso’s Confidence
Rumors have swirled that team owner Lawrence Stroll is prepared to go all-in to secure Verstappen’s services, potentially signaling a shift in priorities.
The Canadian billionaire’s reported pursuit of the Red Bull star could imply that Stroll is ready to make tough calls, including the possibility of sidelining his son, Lance, to elevate the team’s championship aspirations.
Such a move would mark a significant departure from the team’s long-standing commitment to the younger Stroll.
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Vowles: Mercedes 'not the right place' for VerstappenFernando Alonso, however, dismissed concerns about his own position, calling a Verstappen pairing “very unlikely” while framing the speculation as a testament to Aston Martin’s growing stature.
“This shows the project we’re in, the future that this team has,” Alonso said in Thursday’s press conference.
“As I said always, even last year when I extended the contract, I will drive for as long as I feel fast and I feel competitive and the team needs me behind the wheel.
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“But my contract is much longer than my racing career, so I will stay with this team for many years in a different role. And if that means I can win a World Championship while I’m not behind the wheel, I will still feel very proud of the project.”
With Verstappen’s future a focal point in Jeddah, Cowell’s evasiveness and Alonso’s confidence underscore Aston Martin’s delicate balancing act.
While the team builds a compelling case for 2026 with Newey and Honda, the prospect of accommodating Verstappen would require a seismic shift, leaving the F1 paddock buzzing with intrigue about Stroll’s ambitious vision.
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Cowell sidesteps Verstappen speculation at Aston Martin F1i.com.
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