The departure of legendary designer Adrian Newey from Red Bull sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock earlier this year. While the intense on-track battles of recent months have somewhat overshadowed the speculation surrounding his next move, behind the scenes, Aston Martin appears to be the frontrunner to secure his services. Despite publicly expressing his desire for a break from F1 after leaving Red Bull in 2025, Newey is currently enjoying a period of gardening leave. This allows him to continue working on the Red Bull RB17 hypercar while stepping back from the demands of the F1 season. Meanwhile, Aston Martin has undergone a dramatic transformation under the stewardship of billionaire Lawrence Stroll. Significant investments in the team's facilities, infrastructure, and personnel have elevated their capabilities to a level that could potentially tempt Newey to take on the challenge of leading them from midfield contenders to championship challengers.
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Will Max Verstappen Leave Red Bull Racing?
Max Verstappen's contract situation has become a key story in Formula 1. Although the reigning three-time world champion has repeatedly stated his commitment to Red Bull, there are signs of growing frustration.
Red Bull’s recent performance dip compared to McLaren and Mercedes seems to be testing Verstappen’s patience. Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s new partnership with Honda and the involvement of former Red Bull figures like Adrian Newey and Dan Fallows have made them an attractive option for him.
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Speculation about Verstappen’s future is intensifying with Mercedes showing strong interest. Toto Wolff is especially eager to bring Verstappen to Mercedes.
Despite these external pressures, Verstappen publicly remains loyal to Red Bull. However, with new engine regulations coming in 2026, the competitive landscape is set to change, which could impact his decision. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Verstappen stays with Red Bull or moves to a rival team.
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