Adrian Newey believes Max Verstappen will “always chase who he thinks will produce the fastest car” in decisions over his Formula 1 future amid speculation that Aston Martin could make a move for Red Bull’s four-time world champion

Legendary F1 designer Newey made his first appearance at a Grand Prix for Aston Martin in Monaco, almost three months after joining the team as their new managing technical partner from Red Bull.

In an interview with Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle, Newey was asked about the long-running paddock suggestions that Verstappen could at some point follow Newey – and engine manufacturer Honda, who switch from Red Bull to Aston Martin for the start of F1’s new rules era next year – to the highly-ambitious Silverstone-based team.

“I mean Max, obviously a formidable competitor, but he’s also a very simple beast – and I mean that in an entirely complimentary way,” replied Newey.

“He just wants a fast car that he can showcase his talents in.

“So I suspect Max will always chase who he thinks will produce the fastest car.”

‘Lance gets an unfairly bad rap’

Verstappen’s current Red Bull contract runs to the end of the 2028 season, although there are thought to be performance clauses contained in the deal which would allow an earlier exit under certain circumstances.

Aston Martin already have their current pairing of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll under contract for the 2026 season.

Asked about working with two-time Alonso, 43, for the first time, Newey said: “Fernando, I mean, crikey – what a legend.

“Always the kind of two regrets of my recent career, if you like, not going back a long way, have been that I haven’t had the opportunity to work with either Lewis [Hamilton] or Fernando.

“So I’ve now got the opportunity to put one of those right.”

And on Stroll, who is the son of Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll, “Lance, I think, gets an unfairly bad rap.

“You look actually at Lance’s performance against his team-mates, when he was up against Checo [Perez], Sebastian [Vettel], now Fernando, he’s no slouch at all.”

Sky Sports F1’s Spanish Grand Prix schedule

Thursday May 29
2pm: Drivers’ Press Conference

Friday May 30
8.50am: F3 Practice
10am: F2 Practice
12pm: Spanish GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Spanish GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 Show

Saturday May 31
9am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Spanish GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.10pm: Spanish GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: SPANISH GP QUALIFYING*

Sunday June 1
7.25am: F3 Feature Race
8.55am: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Spanish GP build-up*
2pm: The SPANISH GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Spanish GP reaction

*also live on Sky Sports Main Event

F1’s European triple header concludes with the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, with live coverage starting from Friday on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime