Verstappen issued alternative option to Mercedes amid Red Bull speculation

Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has named Aston Martin as a potential landing spot for Max Verstappen.

Recent turmoil at Red Bull saw team boss Christian Horner placed under investigation after allegations were made against him by a female employee.

Horner was cleared before Max’s father Jos Verstappen detailed that Red Bull would be “torn apart” if the Briton stayed in position.

The squabble has led to speculation that Verstappen could seek a move away from Red Bull, with Mercedes publicly expressing its desire to sign the three-time World Champion.

However, Steiner also believes that Aston Martin could be a possibility.

"I think everyone in Formula 1 at the moment is interested in Max Verstappen," Steiner told Sky F1. "It's more about where he wants to go.

"It could be Mercedes, who obviously have got a free seat with Lewis [Hamilton] going to Ferrari.

“Aston Martin as well is a possibility, but I think if Max goes somewhere, I guess he would go to Mercedes."

Steiner backs Red Bull to repair relationships

Despite the speculation over his future, Steiner has backed Red Bull and Verstappen to repair their relationship and move forward.

"I think it has calmed down lately, what is going on there," Steiner said.

"So I think getting out of the contract would be not easy for him. We don't have insight to the contract but I think it's also a good team to drive for at this moment.

"In Max's own interest, he likes the car there, he likes the team so if there is not anything really disturbing him personally, I think he doesn't really want to move.

“He's won so much with that team, the team gave him the opportunity in the beginning to get into F1, so I think if they get the personal relationships going again, he will be staying."