F1 News
Herbert would be 'shocked' if Verstappen doesn't take Aston Martin chance
- Ludo van Denderen
Johnny Herbert, the former Formula 1 steward, predicts that Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull Racing in the not-too-distant future. According to the Brit, the Dutchman is likely to make a switch to Aston Martin.
GPblog previously highlighted concerns within the Verstappen camp regarding the development of the new Red Bull Powertrains in collaboration with Ford. It seems Johnny Herbert has taken note of these reports as well, as he echoed similar sentiments talking to a British betting site.
On Red Bull building their own engine, Herbert states, "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.
"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."
Herbert reportedly 'shocked'
The three-time Grand Prix winner believes that it makes 'total sense' for Verstappen to leave Red Bull. "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,"
While it is true that Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, Herbert expects the Dutchman to have performance clauses if commiting. Still, the Brit argues, "Because he knows very well that potentially, with Adrian and with the Honda, Aston Martin will be the place to be. Herbert added.
This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels too!