Master designer Adrian Newey does not believe that the switch of four-time world champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull to Aston Martin is very realistic. The Brit made this statement in the run-up to the Monaco Grand Prix. “Aston Martin is daydreaming if they actually think that Max would want to trade his Red Bull for a green car in the short term,” says Newey.
Newey left Red Bull last year to sign an extremely lucrative contract with Aston Martin, the team of Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll. The first Aston Martin to bear Newey’s signature will only start racing next season, with the new engine regulations in effect. For now, he is working behind the scenes. In Monaco, Newey is making his first appearance in the Formula 1 paddock this season. It’s a bit of an adjustment being in Aston Martin’s green, though.
Newey is modest about Aston Martin’s chances of sporting success next year. “And if we ever want to attract Max, the first thing we need to do is build a fast car,” he responds to all the speculation about his employer’s alleged interest in Verstappen. “Max is clearly a phenomenal talent and a superior competitor, but there’s no point in daydreaming about him in the short term. Max takes things at a simple level and in this specific case, he will try to choose the team he thinks will have the fastest car.”
