Verstappen’s 2026 F1 Decision: Mercedes or Aston Martin as Top Contenders

Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 is taking shape, with Mercedes and Aston Martin emerging as the leading options for 2026.

Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 has been a topic of much speculation, especially with the emergence of Aston Martin as a potential powerhouse in the sport. According to Franz Tost, former team principal of AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls), Aston Martin could be the “team of the future,” thanks to massive investments from its owner, Lawrence Stroll.

Under Stroll’s leadership, Aston Martin F1 has rapidly grown, with a state-of-the-art new facility built in Silverstone, complete with a wind tunnel and cutting-edge simulator, both operational since March.

The British team has also strengthened its technical department by recruiting several key figures, including Andy Cowell as the team’s new director. Cowell, who previously led Mercedes’ engine program in F1, joins alongside Adrian Newey, the renowned design expert who has taken on the role of technical director. Additionally, Enrico Cardile will be joining as technical director in the summer, after his current commitments with Ferrari.

Furthermore, Honda will begin supplying Aston Martin with factory engines starting in 2026, further enhancing the team’s prospects for the upcoming regulatory cycle.

While rumors swirl about Aston Martin’s interest in signing Max Verstappen from Red Bull, Tost believes the team now has everything in place to succeed in Formula 1.

“I am convinced that Aston Martin will be the team of the future. They’ve brought in great people, including Adrian Newey and Andy Cowell. In my opinion, Newey is the best technician in the paddock and has a wealth of experience,” Tost said.

“And now they also have Andy Cowell. I’ve known him since my time at BMW, where he built the legendary ten-cylinder engine, which was by far the best engine. He then moved to Mercedes, where he also did fantastic work.”

“In short, Aston Martin now has the best people from both the automotive industry and the powertrain sector.”

“Of course, it’s Honda – not Cowell – who will be responsible for the new engine launching in 2026, but I imagine there will be close communication between Honda and Cowell.”

“Honda is not only highly motivated, but also very open. Additionally, Aston Martin has a very modern factory with the right facilities. That’s why, for me, they represent the future.”

As Red Bull’s dominance in F1 has shown signs of slowing, questions have arisen about whether Verstappen will fulfill his contract with the Milton Keynes-based team until its expiration in 2028.

Red Bull has repeatedly mentioned a clause in Verstappen’s contract that could allow him to leave the team if his performance doesn’t meet agreed standards.

Tost believes the ball is now in Verstappen’s court, as several teams would be interested in signing the Dutchman if he chooses to leave Red Bull.

Like many, he identified Mercedes and Aston Martin as the two most likely destinations for Verstappen if he decides to make the move, with Aston Martin being the favorite to secure his services.

“One thing is for sure: Max has the power to choose his next team. I think every team would love to sign him because he is simply three-tenths faster than anyone else – that’s a huge advantage. Just his presence is worth millions in development,” Tost explained.

“For now, he’s still a Red Bull driver with a long-term contract. It all depends on how he enforces that contract. If he can exercise the clauses, several teams could become interested. Mercedes is, in my opinion, the top priority when it comes to immediate victory prospects for 2026, but Aston Martin could also appeal to him.”

“Mercedes is performing excellently right now. Of course, Mercedes has to think about whether they want to recruit Max, especially since George Russell is currently performing very well.”

“In the end, it will be up to Toto Wolff to decide. Personally, I think Aston Martin is the favorite to land Max.”

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Verstappen’s 2026 F1 Decision: Mercedes or Aston Martin as Top Contenders Verstappen’s 2026 F1 Decision: Mercedes or Aston Martin as Top Contenders