Verstappen open to future Newey collaboration at Aston Martin

Three-time F1 champion doesn't rule out reuniting with design guru down the line

Max Verstappen has left the door open for a potential future collaboration with Adrian Newey at Aston Martin, while emphasizing his current focus on addressing Red Bull's performance issues.

The departure of design mastermind Newey from Red Bull, where he played a crucial role in Verstappen's three world championships, has been a significant talking point in the Formula 1 paddock.

With Newey's move to Aston Martin now confirmed, speculation has begun about potential driver movements that could follow.

Verstappen's Priorities

When asked about the possibility of joining Aston Martin to drive a Newey-designed car once again, Verstappen made it clear that his immediate concerns lie elsewhere.

"I have other worries at the moment that I'm paying a lot of attention to and I'm working on that,"

the Dutch driver stated, referring to Red Bull's recent performance struggles.

However, Verstappen didn't completely dismiss the idea for the future.

"That is something maybe for the future that I think about, not now,"

he added, leaving the possibility open for speculation.

Mutual respect and new challenges

Despite the impending separation, Verstappen expressed his happiness for Newey's new venture.

"Adrian and I, we have a very good understanding. I sent him also a message after the news came out, even though, of course, I knew that it was coming,"

Verstappen revealed. He acknowledged his initial preference for Newey to stay but recognized the allure of new challenges.

The reigning champion also showed understanding for Aston Martin's ambitions, stating,

"I also know that Lawrence (Stroll), of course, is pushing flat out to make it a success with Aston Martin, so it's quite understandable, of course, that he wants to have Adrian on his side."

The Newey factor

Newey's reputation as a design genius has long been a draw for top drivers in Formula 1.

When asked if Newey's presence at Aston Martin from 2026 onwards could attract top talent, Verstappen didn't hesitate.

"I think everyone would like to work with Adrian, I guess in their career. So potentially, yes,"

he affirmed.

Current Focus on Performance

While the Newey situation has garnered significant attention, Verstappen remains laser-focused on addressing Red Bull's current performance issues.

Following a disappointing sixth-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix, the champion has been vocal about the team's struggles.

"We still have a lot of work to do but I do think that in a way Monza is positive to learn more about the car, basically,"

Verstappen explained. He emphasized the need for patience in finding solutions, stating,

"Now it just takes time to make the car better, to understand our weaknesses, which I think we did."

As the Formula 1 circus arrives in Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Verstappen's priorities are clear.

With a 62-point lead over Lando Norris in the championship standings, the Dutchman is determined to overcome Red Bull's recent setbacks and maintain his title defense.

While the possibility of a future Verstappen-Newey reunion at Aston Martin remains an intriguing prospect, for now, all eyes will be on how the three-time world champion navigates the challenges ahead in his quest for a fourth consecutive title.