'I would be shocked' - Red Bull given clear warning over Aston Martin move for Max Verstappen

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has backed Max Verstappen to quit Red Bull and join Aston Martin to complete a reunion with Honda and Adrian Newey. 

Honda will become Aston Martin's power unit partner from next year when new regulations are introduced, whilst Newey started as its managing technical partner on Monday [March 3].

Red Bull has opted to produce its own powertrains for the next era of the sport from 2026, with technical support from Ford. 

However, it has been rumoured the Milton Keynes-based team is encountering difficulties preparing for next year.

Herbert has heard similar rumours and believes Verstappen should snap at the chance to join Aston Martin if it will give him a better chance of winning further drivers' titles.

"There's rumours that it's been tougher than they [Red Bull] ever expected and it hasn't been as positive as they were expecting," Herbert told CasinoApps.

"That makes your decision much easier when you know that it's not going quite to plan with the power unit itself, and then you know that the power unit that you were successful with is going to be at Aston Martin as well, along with Adrian Newey.

"It makes total sense [for Verstappen to join Aston Martin]. Max is no fool. Max is going to want to place himself in the best place that will give him that chance of winning races in a world championship."

Verstappen 'all about winning'

Of course, Verstappen was linked with a staggering $1 billion move to Aston Martin during the winter break, which the Silverstone-based outfit categorically denied. 

Regarding next year, the general consensus ahead of Red Bull powering itself for the first time in its F1 history is that it will likely be a very difficult 2026 season. 

To immediately ace an F1 power unit is extremely difficult, with the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes having decades of engine development history behind them. 

Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, but Herbert suspects the four-time world champion will have performance-related exit clauses. 

If Red Bull does struggle next year and Aston Martin thrives, Verstappen moving to the latter would not shock the former FIA race steward.

"If all those elements aren't working where he's at present, as I've heard on the Ford front, and an opportunity came at Aston Martin, I would be shocked if Max wouldn't bite and go for it," added Herbert. 

"Because he knows very well that potentially, with Adrian and with the Honda, Aston Martin will be the place to be.

"Would you give up the place to be just to stay at something that's been good to you over the last couple of years? Racing drivers don't work like that. Max doesn't work like that. Max is there to win. And as he has said it's all about winning. That’s exactly what he wants to do.

"Christian has said Max is not going anywhere. I know he's got the contract until 2028 but again contracts don't mean anything if performance is not there. Champions I've known have always had a performance clause."