With Adrian Newey looking set to join Aston Martin, rumours suggest the British team could target Max Verstappen for 2026, casting doubt on Fernando Alonso's future at the team.
Aston Martin's masterstroke: Newey's likely arrival
Aston Martin is set to make a major splash in the Formula 1 transfer market. Adrian Newey, the technical genius of the sport, could well be wearing green next season. All indications are that the official announcement will come in September, with Newey tied to Red Bull until then.
According to Italian media outlet Autosprint, Newey is very close to joining Aston Martin. The British engineer has already ruled out Ferrari and is simply waiting until September to reveal his future. This arrival could be excellent news for Alonso's future at Aston Martin, as Newey has always expressed his desire to work with the Spanish driver.
The ambitious goal: attract Verstappen
However, Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll's ambitions would not stop there. According to the same sources, the team would also target Max Verstappen as its flagship driver from 2026. This strategy raises questions about the future composition of the team:
The obstacles to overcome for Aston Martin
Luring Verstappen will not be an easy task for Aston Martin, even with Newey in its ranks:
Uncertainty over Alonso's future
Alonso's future at Aston Martin, despite a contract until 2026, could be called into question by these developments. The Spanish driver, who has ensured that he will participate in the implementation of the new technical regulations with the team and test the new Honda engines, could see his plans thwarted.
It would be particularly cruel for Alonso to be deprived of the opportunity to drive a car designed by Newey, even though the legendary engineer is joining his team. However, it should be remembered that this information is still in the realm of speculation.
Alonso's future at Aston Martin will likely depend on several factors: how the team performs in the coming months, whether Newey's arrival comes to fruition, and whether the team can attract a driver of Verstappen's calibre. In any case, the 2024 season will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of the team and its drivers.