RALF: “ASTON MARTIN’S ‘MIRACULOUS’ LEAP UNDER NEWEY COULD ENTICE VERSTAPPEN”
According to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, Adrian Newey’s arrival at Aston Martin could encourage Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull.
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes that with Adrian Newey’s arrival, Aston Martin could become an attractive option for Max Verstappen, who might consider leaving Red Bull. Newey’s highly anticipated new role was confirmed before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The 65-year-old design genius, after leaving Red Bull earlier this year, is set to start his role at the Silverstone-based team in March.
Newey, who has reportedly signed a deal worth £30 million annually, has been tasked by team owner Lawrence Stroll with leading the team to the front of the grid under new regulations set to take effect in 2026.
Three-time world champion and current championship leader Verstappen has openly expressed his frustration with his car’s lack of speed in recent races, as teams like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes seem faster lately.
With challenges at the start of the season, including team principal Christian Horner’s involvement in personal issues that disrupted internal harmony and Newey’s departure shortly after, Verstappen might consider a switch.
Speaking to Formel1.de, Schumacher said, “Max Verstappen, especially his father Jos and his management, want to win, and they want to fight for the world championship.”
“Adrian Newey is a well-known figure for them, and so is Honda. While he won’t officially start until next year, I am very, very sure that Aston Martin will make a miraculous leap as early as next year. Maybe even by the end of this year…”
“Adrian is accustomed to success, and he is known for guaranteeing it. That should be his aim now.”
“At Aston Martin, he has everything he needs. He should feel comfortable and have absolute trust. He just wants to focus on motorsport. He wants eager people around him who aren’t sensitive and who want to build fast cars and win races,” Schumacher added.
Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack, when asked in Baku, did not rule out the possibility of Verstappen joining the team in the future. Current drivers Lance Stroll and two-time champion Fernando Alonso are set to remain with the team next season, but Krack said: “The door is always open for Max Verstappen, I think this is the case for every team.”
