Verstappen Could Be Lured by Ferrari or Aston Martin, Says Former Red Bull Chief
Max Verstappen might consider a move to Ferrari if Lewis Hamilton chooses to leave the Italian outfit earlier than planned, according to Richard Hopkins, the former head of operations at Red Bull Racing. Hopkins, who once played a key role behind the scenes at the championship-winning team, also believes Aston Martin could emerge as a serious contender for Verstappen’s signature—especially with the arrival of legendary engineer Adrian Newey.
Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull that runs through the end of the 2028 season. However, speculation about his potential exit has intensified over the past year due to internal tensions and the recent departure of several high-profile team members, including Newey.
Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari for the 2025 season stunned the F1 world. At 40, the seven-time world champion has a multi-year deal with Ferrari, but Hopkins suggests that if Hamilton cuts his stint short, a vacancy could open up for Verstappen to join the historic Maranello-based squad.
“Ferrari is definitely one of the top options for Max,” Hopkins said in an interview with Prime Casino. “But it all depends on a few moving parts. If Hamilton decides to call it quits earlier than expected, that could be a golden opportunity for Verstappen to make the switch.”
Hopkins also analyzed the other top teams and how realistic a Verstappen move might be. “McLaren’s locked in two exceptional young talents in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. They’ve both got multi-year contracts and the team’s doing well. Unless something drastic happens, they’re not going anywhere,” he explained.
“Mercedes could be another potential home for Max, but they’re not short of talent either. George Russell is firmly established, and Kimi Antonelli is on the rise. Mercedes doesn’t seem like they’ll be scrambling for a top driver any time soon.”
This leaves Ferrari and Aston Martin as the more viable destinations should Verstappen ever decide to leave Red Bull. Aston Martin, in particular, has become a more intriguing option following Newey’s recent appointment. The veteran technical director was the mastermind behind all of Verstappen’s championship-winning cars and played a central role in Red Bull’s dominance over the past few seasons.
“Honestly, yes—if Adrian Newey is involved, Verstappen could absolutely be tempted by Aston Martin,” said Hopkins. “Adrian has a reputation that commands respect across the paddock. Everywhere he’s gone, success has followed. He’s not the type to shout or make a scene, but when he walks into a room, you feel his presence.”
Hopkins described Newey as a quiet but influential leader—someone who doesn’t need to raise his voice to make an impact. “People admire him. He’s an artist in many ways. I had the privilege of working closely with him at Red Bull, and even then, every meeting with him felt like meeting a legend.”
Still, Hopkins was quick to caution that success at Aston Martin won’t rest on Newey’s shoulders alone. “One person doesn’t make a team,” he said. “When I joined Red Bull, I was just a part of a larger puzzle. The same goes for Aston. To win championships, you need more than just a brilliant designer. You need the right infrastructure, culture, and team spirit.”
Despite that, Hopkins believes Newey’s presence could spark a wave of change at Aston Martin. “Adrian’s arrival could attract more top-tier talent to the team, just like he did at Red Bull. If a few more key figures join, the project could become incredibly appealing—especially for someone like Max.”
He also noted that team owner Lawrence Stroll has the financial means to make big moves happen. “Budget wouldn’t be an obstacle. Lawrence can afford to bring in whoever he wants. But for Max, it’s not all about money. It’s about legacy. If he could go to a team like Aston Martin and help lead them to the top, that would be a powerful addition to his resume.”
Hopkins compared this potential move to what Hamilton is trying to achieve at Ferrari. “Lewis wants to be the one who brings Ferrari back to championship glory. Max might want to do something similar—go to a team, elevate them, and say ‘I helped turn them into winners.’”
In conclusion, while Verstappen is still contracted to Red Bull until 2028, the right combination of opportunity, leadership, and ambition could tempt him to explore new challenges—whether that be with Ferrari or an up-and-coming Aston Martin spearheaded by his former mentor.
