Marko stokes flames of Verstappen-to-Aston Martin fire

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has added fuel to the fire surrounding early rumours that Max Verstappen could follow Adrian Newey to Aston Martin.

Newey was this week confirmed as the team's managing technical partner, tasked with overseeing the development of Aston Martin's 2026 car that will be designed to new regulations, predominantly around a revamped power unit.

Three-time F1 champion Verstappen has long made his admiration known for Newey and even attempted to talk him out of leaving Red Bull, although the 65-year-old's mind had long been made up.

As to whether Verstappen could now follow to Aston Martin, team principal Mike Krack has refused to rule it out in the build-up to this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Even Verstappen has stated, "it is something maybe for the future to think about".

Now Marko has not shied away from the possibility, and again, despite the fact Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull through to the end of 2028.

"Max drives where he can win," said Marko, speaking to Austrian publication Kleine Zeitung. "Aston Martin has the most modern factory, the wind tunnel will be operational next year and Honda engines will be added to that. Everything fits.

"And if you look at history, it is clear - wherever Newey has gone, there has been an upward trend. I don't know why it should be any different at Aston Martin."

Newey will need "time"

Marko naturally hopes Verstappen's head will not be turned, albeit recognising Red Bull has to arrest its current decline and prove to the 26-year-old Dutch driver that the Milton Keynes-based team is the place to be from 2026.

"He knows that he can win titles with us, too, if we can get through this world championship now," added Marko. "That is also an absolute must."

Marko has warned Verstappen that "time" will be required for Newey to bed himself in at Aston Martin, and there are no guarantees he will hit the ground running.

"Adrian Newey cannot start until March 1, 2025, which is already relatively late," he said. "The whole team at Aston Martin certainly needs to get used to each other first."