Former FIA steward Johnny Herbert believes there’s a high probability that Max Verstappen might opt for an early transfer to Aston Martin. The Dutch champion is contracted with Red Bull until 2028, but rumors suggest that the future engine collaboration with Ford could pose a significant challenge for the team. A deal with Adrian Newey’s Aston Martin might offer a more promising outlook.
During the winter break, The Daily Mail reported that Aston Martin was prepared to offer Max Verstappen a deal worth 1 billion British pounds. The Dutch champion would receive shares in the company and the opportunity to race for the brand outside of Formula 1, in addition to his contract. Aston Martin was reportedly already trying to attract sponsors with the promise of Verstappen in a green car. The team later denied these rumors, and Max Verstappen also pledged his loyalty to Red Bull for the time being.
However, former driver and ex-FIA steward Johnny Herbert still believes that Verstappen could make a transfer. In a conversation with CasinoApps.com, he hinted that Red Bull and engine partner Ford are struggling with the power unit for 2026, which could potentially put them at a disadvantage when the new regulations come into effect.
‘Verstappen is in it to win it’
“It’s all about the package, and Max (Verstappen) certainly knows what’s going on at Red Bull,” said Herbert. “The positive relationship with Honda will soon come to an end. From 2026, the team will embark on a new collaboration with Ford. There are rumors that the development of the new engine is proving more difficult than expected. This naturally makes it easier to consider Aston Martin, which will soon be partnering with Honda, the supplier with which you were previously so successful. Not to mention Adrian Newey.”
‘Max Verstappen is no fool,’ Herbert continued. ‘He wants the best starting position to win races. If an opportunity were to arise at Aston Martin, I would be shocked if he didn’t seize it and go for it. Because he knows very well that Aston Martin, with Adrian and Honda, could be the ideal place,’ added the Brit. ‘In the end, Verstappen is in it to win. I know he has a contract with Red Bull, but contracts don’t mean much if performance is lacking. Moreover, all the champions I know always had a performance clause.’
Aston Martin has made significant investments in recent years and attracted some of the best Formula 1 staff. Andy Cowell has been appointed team boss, while Adrian Newey has just started as the major technical director. Despite this, Max Verstappen has not yet shown any signs of transfer plans. He considers Red Bull his ‘family’ and wants to honor his current contract for the time being.
