Max Verstappen to Aston Martin? Fernando Alonso weighs in

Fernando Alonso has stated he would welcome a tie-up with Max Verstappen at the Aston Martin team.

However, the two-time champion acknowledged the blockbuster partnership is “unlikely” to happen.

Verstappen has been linked with an exit from Red Bull amid its dip in form, with team advisor Helmut Marko revealing the Dutchman has a performance clause in his contract.

Should he opt to trigger the clause, one potential destination for Verstappen is Aston Martin, which signed Adrian Newey, the technical mastermind behind all of Verstappen's championship-winning Red Bull cars.

Both Alonso and team-mate Lance Stroll have contracts in place for next year, a point that has been highlighted by the team amid reports it is interested in signing Verstappen.

When asked if he would welcome Verstappen as a team-mate, Alonso told media, including RacingNews365: “Yes, but it’s unlikely to happen.”

Alonso not threatened by Verstappen

A 2026 arrival for Verstappen at Aston Martin would come at the expense of either world champion Alonso or his current team-mate Stroll, the son of team owner Lawrence.

However, Alonso insisted he is not worried about being moved aside in favour of Verstappen.

“I don’t think so, as I have a contract for next year,” Alonso said when asked if he sees Verstappen as a threat to his seat. 

“But I see the rumours as very good for the team. As you said before, the world champion is sometimes linked with some other teams and a possible departure from Red Bull.

“And the teams that are being mentioned are Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Ferrari. So this shows the project that we are in and the future that this team has.” 

Alonso extended his contract with Aston Martin last year and pledged to be part of the team long-term, likely extending to beyond his time racing in F1.

While he is still seeking to add a third F1 title to his own list of achievements, Alonso expressed he is eager to bring Aston Martin success in any capacity.

“As I said last year when I extended the contract, I will drive for as long as I feel fast and competitive and the team needs me behind the wheel,” he said.

“But my contract is much longer than my racing career, so I will stay with this team for many, many years in a different role. 

“If that means we can win a world championship even when I’m not behind the wheel, I will still feel very proud of the project.”