Alonso reacts to Verstappen-Aston Martin rumors but calls a team-up ‘very unlikely’
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
Fernando Alonso has called rumors linking Max Verstappen to Aston Martin “very good for the team” but maintains that a partnership between the two drivers is “very unlikely.” Speculation about Verstappen's future with Red Bull has grown this season due to concerns over an underperforming car and comments from Helmut Marko, who admitted Red Bull is “worried” about losing the four-time world champion.
Aston Martin, currently seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, has emerged as a potential suitor for Verstappen. The team has already secured prominent names such as Adrian Newey from Red Bull and has a lucrative engine deal with Honda in place for Formula 1’s new regulations in 2026. Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Alonso welcomed the buzz surrounding Aston Martin’s project.
“The world champion is sometimes linked with other teams, and a possible departure from Red Bull,” Alonso said. “The teams rumored are Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Ferrari. This shows the project we’re building here and the future this team has.”
However, Alonso, 43, dismissed the odds of Verstappen becoming his teammate, citing the team’s current driver lineup, which includes himself and Lance Stroll, son of team owner Lawrence Stroll.
“I have a contract for next year,” Alonso stated. “Yes, I’d welcome him as a teammate, but it’s unlikely to happen. Very unlikely.”
Although Alonso doesn’t see Verstappen stepping into an Aston Martin seat alongside him, he reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the team, hinting at a role beyond his racing career.
“As I’ve always said, I’ll drive for as long as I feel fast, competitive, and the team needs me behind the wheel,” Alonso explained. “But my contract is much longer than my racing career. I’ll stay with this team for many, many years in a different role. And if we win a world championship at that time, even if I’m not behind the wheel, I’ll feel very proud of the project.”
Despite a tough start to the season with just 10 points scored, Aston Martin’s future looks promising with renowned designer Adrian Newey now fully focused on developing the team’s 2026 car. Team boss Andy Cowell spoke of the tight deadlines ahead but praised Newey’s dedication.
“He joined in March, so there was a period of adjustment—getting up to speed with the regulations and the work we’ve been doing in recent months,” Cowell stated. “There are tough deadlines for releasing monocoque and transmission details. With everything being new and nothing carrying over, there’s plenty of work, but Adrian is 100% focused on that.”
While Verstappen's possible move remains speculative, Alonso’s confidence in Aston Martin’s trajectory underscores the team’s ambitions to become a force in Formula 1’s next chapter.
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