Max Verstappen Outlines Red Bull Exit Vision as Adrian Newey Faces Aston Martin Doubts
Max Verstappen has offered a rare glimpse into his long-term Formula 1 future, revealing when he believes his time with Red Bull could come to an end — while also dropping a surprise hint about a potential leadership role beyond his driving career. At the same time, uncertainty appears to be brewing at Aston Martin, where Adrian Newey’s highly anticipated 2026 project is reportedly facing early complications.
The reigning world champion remains contracted to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, a deal that reflects both his dominance on track and the team’s desire to keep hold of its greatest asset. Verstappen has repeatedly said he would prefer to race for just one team throughout his F1 career, following in the footsteps of iconic one-team drivers. However, with sweeping regulation changes coming in 2026 and the competitive landscape expected to reset, the Dutchman has acknowledged that nothing in Formula 1 is guaranteed.
Speaking about his mindset, Verstappen made it clear that his immediate focus remains on racing and winning with Red Bull, but he also admitted that the later stages of his contract could naturally prompt deeper reflection. He suggested that if the project no longer aligns with his personal motivation or competitive goals, he would not rule out stepping away — either from Red Bull or from full-time racing altogether.
Intriguingly, Verstappen also hinted at a future beyond the cockpit. While far from making any concrete plans, he acknowledged that a team principal or management role could be appealing one day, particularly if it allowed him to stay involved in the sport without the relentless pressure of racing. For now, however, those ambitions remain firmly on the back burner.
As Verstappen evaluates his long-term future, attention has also turned to Aston Martin, where a report from Italian media has suggested that the team’s 2026 car project has encountered early turbulence. This car is set to be the first fully influenced by Adrian Newey, one of the most celebrated designers in F1 history, following his headline-grabbing move away from Red Bull.
According to the report, Aston Martin’s development programme has been disrupted by inconsistencies in aerodynamic data. The team is said to have discovered discrepancies between wind tunnel results and computer simulations, raising concerns about the reliability of their design tools. As a result, a significant recalibration of the wind tunnel is reportedly underway, alongside a comprehensive rewrite of simulation software.
These issues have allegedly forced a partial rethink of the car’s conceptual direction — an unwelcome setback for a project already under intense scrutiny. With the 2026 regulations introducing radical changes to both chassis and power units, every team is racing against time to ensure their foundational concepts are sound.
While there is no suggestion that Newey himself is responsible for the delay, the situation highlights the scale of the challenge facing Aston Martin as it attempts to transform into a genuine championship contender. The team has invested heavily in facilities, personnel, and ambition, but Formula 1 history shows that progress is rarely linear.
For Verstappen, the developments at Aston Martin add another layer of intrigue to an already complex future. With Red Bull also preparing for a new era — including the introduction of its own power unit programme — the next few seasons could prove decisive in shaping not just team hierarchies, but also the career paths of the sport’s biggest names.
As Formula 1 edges closer to its next reset, Verstappen’s calm but candid reflections serve as a reminder that even the most dominant partnerships are ultimately shaped by timing, motivation, and belief in the project ahead.
