F1 champion reacts to growing Verstappen rumor

Jacques Villeneuve recently dampened rumors that Max Verstappen is considering leaving Red Bull to join Aston Martin.

Speculation is growing regarding a possible transfer for the Dutchman to the Silverstone team, whether before or after the expiration of his current contract.

At just 27, Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 F1 season, but persistent reports suggest he is looking to leave the Milton Keynes-based team, with Mercedes and more Additionally, Aston Martin cited as likely destinations.

In the last days, the British brand tried to brush aside unfounded rumors, claiming that someone close to owner Lawrence Stroll was using Verstappen's name to attract new investors, insinuating that an imminent agreement could be expected between the parties.

Aston Martin reacted to these baseless allegations by recalling that Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will be drivers for the team until at least the end of 2026. A potential transfer for Verstappen the following year therefore seems more plausible, if it had to happen.

However, the idea of ​​Verstappen following Adrian Newey and Honda at Aston Martin persists. For Villeneuve, while this might make sense for the team, it might not be as relevant for the driver himself.

“Lawrence Stroll would need someone very mentally strong and determined to replace Fernando Alonso,” Villeneuve told The Action Network.

“Max Verstappen will instead ask himself: 'What is my next step?' We win with Ferrari and Mercedes, not with Aston Martin. Like Lewis Hamilton, he wants to win. »

Alonso could 'fight like crazy'

If Verstappen were to join Aston Martin in 2027, it would likely be in place of Alonso, who would then be 45 years old.

However, Villeneuve believes that if the two-time world champion can maintain his level of performance, the team will likely be inclined to keep him.

“Alonso knows what he has to do now… to prove that he is still a cut above,” added the Canadian.

“Like when he was at Ferrari and the car wasn’t winning. As with McLaren, with an underperforming car, he still managed to fight fiercely. It was impressive. »

“If he continues like this, they will keep him. Because that means that the day the car is competitive, it will be there. »