F1 News Today: Verstappen teases career SWITCH as boss delivers ‘poison’ warning in…readmore
Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, has recently sparked speculation about a potential career shift following a private test with a rival motorsport series. This development has reignited discussions about his future in Formula 1, especially considering his current contract with Red Bull Racing, which extends until 2028.
Over the past year, Verstappen has been the subject of various transfer rumors, with teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin reportedly expressing interest in acquiring his services. Aston Martin, in particular, has been linked to Verstappen due to their strategic moves, including the recruitment of Red Bull’s chief technical officer, Adrian Newey, and plans to switch to Honda power units starting in 2026. These developments have fueled speculation about Verstappen’s potential move to Aston Martin, especially given his previous success with Honda-powered cars.
However, Aston Martin has firmly denied these rumors, stating that they have no plans to pursue Verstappen. The team emphasized that their current driver lineup, featuring Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, remains unchanged until at least 2026.
Despite these denials, Verstappen’s recent activities suggest he is exploring opportunities beyond Formula 1. His behind-the-scenes test with a rival motorsport series indicates a potential interest in diversifying his racing career. This move has led to speculation that Verstappen may be considering a switch to endurance racing, a discipline he has previously expressed interest in.
In response to these developments, Red Bull Racing has issued a warning to Verstappen, cautioning him about the potential risks of such a career change. The team’s management has referred to the allure of switching teams or racing series as “poison,” suggesting that such decisions could have detrimental effects on a driver’s career.
As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, Verstappen’s future remains uncertain. While he has achieved remarkable success with Red Bull, including securing his fourth World Championship in 2024, the recent developments have opened the door to various possibilities. Whether Verstappen will continue with Red Bull, make a move to another F1 team, or transition to a different motorsport discipline is yet to be determined. Fans and industry insiders alike are keenly watching these developments, as they could significantly impact the future landscape of motorsport.
