Aston Martin has indicated that Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 is unlikely to include a switch to their team. Speaking on their driver roster, team chief Andy Cowell emphasized the team’s satisfaction with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll as their drivers for the upcoming seasons, effectively ruling out any plans to pursue Verstappen for 2026.

Recently, Verstappen’s future has been the subject of intense speculation as Red Bull experiences internal changes, including the departure of team principal Christian Horner. Although Mercedes is widely regarded as the leading candidate to sign the four-time world champion, Aston Martin had also been mentioned as a possible destination given Verstappen’s previous success with Adrian Newey-designed cars.

Team Principal Praises Fernando Alonso’s Integral Role

Andy Cowell highlighted Fernando Alonso’s value to Aston Martin, not only for his race experience but also for his detailed insight into car development. Cowell stated that Alonso’s ability to analyze every aspect of the car’s performance and provide guidance on its direction makes him a vital part of the team’s progress.

“Fernando is one of those amazing drivers,”

Cowell remarked in a discussion with F1 presenter Lawrence Barretto.

He added that Alonso’s racecraft and vision contribute significantly to the team’s development efforts.

“He is looking at every little bit of detail of the car. He isn’t just thinking about how the car felt to him in a session or in a race so he’s an exciting individual to have in the team.”

Lance Stroll’s Commitment Secures Him a Future at Aston Martin

In addition to Alonso, Aston Martin’s other driver, Lance Stroll, has been a stable presence with eight years of Formula 1 experience and close ties to the team through his father and owner, Lawrence Stroll. Cowell touched on Lance’s enthusiasm for the team’s future and noted that he has already secured his contract for the next season, underscoring the team’s long-term trust in him.

“Lance is really enthusiastic about the future of the team and next year so we’re really pleased that he is also signed with us for next year,”

Cowell said.

While Stroll experienced some early-season good fortune, recent bad luck in qualifying sessions has hindered his progress despite his strong performances.

“In the last couple of events, he’s shown the performance but then, bad luck in Qualifying with red flags and so on has stopped him from pushing forwards.”

Implications for Verstappen’s F1 Future

Aston Martin’s firm stance on retaining their current drivers suggests Max Verstappen will likely continue his career elsewhere, most plausibly at Mercedes. This decision narrows the options available to one of Formula 1’s biggest stars and highlights the stability Aston Martin seeks by investing fully in Alonso and Stroll.

With Red Bull undergoing internal restructuring, the coming months are expected to bring further clarity around driver lineups and team strategies ahead of the 2026 season. Aston Martin’s confidence in their driver pairing reflects a strategic focus on building around proven talent rather than engaging in high-profile recruitment battles.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?

A. Certainly, 13 is permitted as a number. Actually, Pastor Maldonado picked #13 when drivers could choose permanent numbers in 2014. Some cultures view 13 as unlucky, but Formula 1 allowed drivers to decide for themselves.

Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?

A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is from Britain and races in Formula One. He currently drives for Mercedes and has worked with McLaren before. Hamilton openly talks about living with ADHD and explores his wide range of interests and passions.

Q. Is 69 allowed in F1?

A. F1 Driver Number Rules Selecting a Number: Every driver can pick a permanent number to use during their career, ranging from 2 to 99, but not 17.

Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?

A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver. He races for the Mercedes team and has also been with McLaren. Hamilton openly shares his experiences with ADHD and talks about his wide range of interests and hobbies.