Aston Martin ‘in talks with Max Verstappen’ as Lawrence Stroll puts money on the table | F1 | Sport

According to Autosprint, Stroll is already negotiating with the three-time world champion, despite him being contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028. And having already paid a huge package to secure Newey’s services, the Canadian businessman is reportedly set to put his money on the table in a bid to persuade Verstappen.

The 26-year-old is also being linked to Mercedes, but Stroll is now in a position of strength when it comes to making an offer. Newey, who spent 19 years at Red Bull, has long been cited as a major factor in the team’s rise in F1 and the opportunity to work with him again is likely to entice Verstappen.

Furrthermore, Red Bull‘s partnership with Honda is set to end at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The engine manufacturer will then begin a partnership with Aston Martin for 2026.

Furthermore, Dan Fallows is the current technical director at Aston Martin. He also previously worked with Verstappen, before switching teams in 2021.

Snaring Verstappen would leave Stroll needing to make a big call over his current driver line-up. Both his son Lance and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso are contracted to the team until the end of 2026, meaning one of them would face their deal being terminated prematurely.

At just 25, 18 years younger than Alonso, Stroll Jnr would appear the most logical long-term solution. However, it’s the Spaniard who is currently the team’s most productive driver.

Alonso, 43, currently lies ninth in the F1 standings on 50 points. His team-mate meanwhile, is just a place behind him, but has only managed to reach 24 points so far this year.

It follows a 2023 campaign where the ex-McLaren and Ferrari man was resurgent, finishing fourth overall on 206 points. Stroll meanwhile, was 10th on 74, and has not scored a podium finish since the 2020 season.