Aston Martin may shake up its driver lineup as they chase Max Verstappen, raising questions about Alonso’s long-term future.
Could Fernando Alonso step aside sooner than expected to make room for Max Verstappen? That’s the buzz swirling around the F1 paddock right now, with Aston Martin rumored to be making major plays behind the scenes.
René Arnoux, former Ferrari driver and F1 veteran, didn’t hold back in a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. The 76-year-old Frenchman believes Alonso is nearing the end of his road in Formula 1.
“He’s one of the biggest disappointments so far this season,” Arnoux said of the 43-year-old Spaniard. “If he’s no longer consistently ahead of Lance Stroll, that says a lot.”
Alonso, a two-time world champion, is under contract with Aston Martin through 2026. But that might not guarantee him a seat. According to paddock whispers, Honda — set to power Aston Martin from 2026 — is pushing hard to bring in Yuki Tsunoda.
Even bigger? Rumors say Aston Martin is making an aggressive (and very expensive) push to sign Max Verstappen. F1 insider Dr. Helmut Marko recently hinted that speculation around Verstappen’s future would only grow — and it is.
An anonymous source from Aston Martin’s marketing team confirmed there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.
“Yes, there are ongoing talks and plenty of speculation. If Verstappen shows any sign of being open to leaving Red Bull, every top team will go all-in to get him. Aston Martin included.”
Aston Martin’s Verstappen Power Play
The source adds that with budget caps in place and the focus shifting to the major regulation changes coming in 2026, teams are planning long-term — and Verstappen is the crown jewel.
“If Max is thinking long-term and wants to help build a future contender, that would show real loyalty. But let’s be honest: Max is in F1 to win, and that’s why everyone is trying to convince him to switch for 2026.”
So, if Verstappen does decide to join Aston Martin, what happens to Alonso? Would he step down — or could Lance Stroll be pushed out by his own father?
“That’s the billion-dollar question,” the source joked, referencing the jaw-dropping offer believed to be on the table for Verstappen.
One thing’s clear: the 2025 season might be just the warm-up act. The real drama is already building for 2026.
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Aston’s Billion-Dollar Gamble: Verstappen or Alonso?
Aston’s Billion-Dollar Gamble: Verstappen or Alonso?
