Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert advised Aston Martin to go “everything” for Max Verstappen, who has been supported by Saudi Arabia.
Verstappen’s future with Red Bull is in the air after a difficult start to the year, despite two political parties having valid long-term contracts until the end of the 2028 season.
Speculation is circulating about Verstappen’s option if he activates the exit clause of the contract and decides to leave Red Bull in 2026.
With a major ambition to become a Formula 1 title contender, Aston Martin is considered Duthcman’s most likely option as the Silverstone-based team has secured the service of former Red Bull Designer Guru Adrian Newy and secured a work engine deal with Honda.
Sky TV analyst Herbert believes that the combination of Verstappen and Newey will allow Aston Martin to “beat” in Formula 1 in the coming years.
“It’s very interesting to see Saudi people involved in Aston Martin,” said Cainkosino, 60.
“If you have the money, you’ll pay your team everything they need to get Max Verstappen. He’s still the best driver on the grid.
“If Aston Martin gets developments for next year, we can see them become the next team. But they have a big hill to climb. With Verstappen and Adrian Newey at the top of their game, it would be hard to beat them, but that’s not a guarantee.
“Verstappen is the best place for him and we’re thinking about when he’ll be able to leave. Helmut Marco hinted at a birth clause that could come into effect this season. That’s the perfect timing for Verstappen.
“We hope he can choose the right team and continue to fight at the top for a foreseeable future. We hope that he and Oscar Piastri will fight for titles for titles that are only good for sports.”
Saudi Arabia’s state-owned Aramco oil company is deeply involved with Aston Martin as its title sponsor, and has long been rumored to win fairness with the team.
Aston Martin’s Formula One team is majority owned by a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll and is also a major shareholder of automotive company Aston Martin Lagonda.
Given his personal interest in growing his team into frontrunners, Herbert doesn’t feel like the walk is willing to give up full control of Aston Martin – but partial sales could be on the cards.
If the Saudi-backed Aston F1 team seduces Verstappen from Red Bull, the Canadians will face a tough choice between holding two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso or his own son Lancestrol.
“Laurence Stroll is a smart businessman and he’s moving Aston Martin towards the winning team,” Herbert explained.
“We know that if he is approaching Saudi Arabia and has the best driver, then that plan will come true.
“I don’t think Saudi Arabia will have 100% control over Aston Martin, because Lawrence Stroll is a gasoline head. He might give them under 50%.
“But because of Lance’s walk, he has disappointed some of the last few races, and Fernando Alonso is still performing better as a teammate, but at this point it isn’t a great car.
“Aston Martin needs to decide if someone like Verstappen is the perfect partner to bring Aston Martin to the top. Lawrence Stroll wants to keep his son. Lance Stroll has won his place in Formula 1.
“If you give him a good car, he might be able to level up, but his performance level needs to be more consistent.”