Aston Martin’s 2026 Dream: Verstappen, Honda, and Newey?

Herbert: "I’d Be Shocked if Verstappen Snubbed Aston Martin

Johnny Herbert believes Verstappen could seriously consider Aston Martin for 2026, with Honda power and Adrian Newey making it an irresistible package.

Herbert believes that Max Verstappen joining Aston Martin F1 in 2026 is a very serious possibility. The former driver thinks the temptation to leave Red Bull will be strong if the Red Bull Powertrains and Ford engine project does not progress as expected.

“It will all come down to the package. Max knows very well how Red Bull’s inner sanctum operates,” Herbert said. “But there is a change now because the relationship Red Bull had with Honda, which was very positive, has come to an end.”

“From 2026, the scenario is different with Ford. There are rumors that it has been more difficult than expected and not as positive as they had hoped.”

“It makes your decision much easier when you know things are not going quite as planned with the power unit itself, and when you know that the power unit you have had success with will also be in the Aston Martin alongside Adrian Newey.”

“It makes perfect sense—Max is no fool. He will want to put himself in the best possible position to win races in a world championship. If all these elements are not working where he is now, as I have heard regarding Ford.”

Herbert is convinced that Verstappen will have no sentimentality toward Red Bull if a better opportunity arises: “If an opportunity came up at Aston Martin, I would be shocked if Max didn’t take the bait and go for it. Because he knows very well that potentially, with Adrian and Honda, Aston Martin will be the place to be.”

“Would you give up your seat just to stay with a team that has treated you well over the past two years? Racing drivers don’t think like that. Max doesn’t think like that. Max is here to win. And as he said this year, you know, winning is what matters. That’s exactly what he wants to do.”

“Christian said that Max isn’t going anywhere. I know he has a contract until 2028, but once again, contracts mean nothing if the performance isn’t there. The champions I’ve known have always had a performance clause.”