F1 insider urges Max Verstappen to avoid Fernando Alonso’s ‘wrong move’ history with Aston Martin

Bernie Collins believes that Max Verstappen must avoid making the same mistake as Fernando Alonso when it comes to bad career moves in Formula 1.

F1 insider urges Max Verstappen to avoid Fernando Alonso’s ‘wrong move’ history with Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen (via F1)

Red Bull’s extreme performance struggles continue to provide problems to Max Verstappen in the 2025 season. The Dutchman has still managed to keep up with performances despite racing in an inferior chassis. Now, Verstappen is the center of attention as multiple teams are reportedly showcasing interest in poaching him from Milton Keynes. Upon this, F1 insider Bernie Collins issued a warning to the 27-year-old against following a similar trajectory to Fernando Alonso.

Aston Martin took the motorsport world by storm after allegedly offering a $1.2 billion deal to Max Verstappen for the 2026 season and beyond. The Silverstone-based constructor has continued to lure in some notable companies to perform well from the get-go under the new regulations. The Silverstone-based squad roped in Honda for power units, followed by Adrian Newey as the team’s chief designer.

Bernie Collins cited concerns about Aston Martin’s chances of performing well from the 2026 season despite bringing in promising assets. The Briton highlights that the team has expected a lot of strength coming from the aero-genius Adrian Newey. Still, the new regulations of the upcoming season would not be easy to interpret for even the best technical wizard in Newey. A new Honda engine and a completely redesigned gearbox wouldn’t be very easy to get the hang of from the beginning for Silverstone.

No, I don’t think so. I really worry for Aston Martin’s performance going forward. I know there’s a lot of strength being put on Adrian Newey, but a new [Honda] engine, a new gearbox, neither of those things are easy to do in a new regulation era.

Bernie Collins told the Indo Sport Podcast

Collins reckons that many people underestimate Fernando Alonso and his chances due to a wrong team move at the wrong time. The Briton believes that the 43-year-old is still a great driver and always has been. However, the Asturian was able to win only two drivers’ titles because of wrong team decisions compared to other drivers on the grid. As such, the 39-year-old believes that Max Verstappen’s next move in teams will be crucial for him to achieve more than four world championships.

I think the thing that people underestimate is, for example, Alonso is a great driver, he has been a great driver and still is a great driver. He has only won two world championships because he made the wrong team moves. So Max’s next move is crucial to beating that number.

Bernie Collins added

Bernie Collins reveals Max Verstappen’s ‘challenge’ in switching teams

Mercedes’ massive interest in Max Verstappen has continued beyond the 2025 season despite Brackley having a strong drivers’ lineup now. The Dutchman could make a sudden switch to the German carmaker if he does not find peace at Red Bull. However, Bernie Collins asserts that a move to Mercedes would come with its own set of challenges for the 27-year-old.

Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase (via Red Bull Content Pool)
Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase (via Red Bull Content Pool)

Collins asserts that switching to Mercedes under the new regulations would be a challenge for both Verstappen and the team. Moreover, the gearbox would be a big unknown for the team as it would pose a challenge to the reigning world champion. Still, the 39-year-old pointed out that Brackley would have the upper hand for the 2026 season and beyond, and more so if the Dutchman joins forces with them.

That’s going to be a challenge. The gearbox in itself is going to be a big challenge. That’s going to be a struggle. I think Mercedes should have the upper hand, so maybe if Max makes a move to Mercedes?

Bernie Collins noted

Verstappen has still showcased loyalty to Red Bull despite facing massive struggles. However, the Dutchman would reportedly be free to exit the team if he falls below P3 in the drivers’ standings. Time will tell about how the 27-year-old copes with the incessant struggles at Milton Keynes. The Austrian constructor must find immediate improvements in order to retain the four-time champion’s interest in the team beyond the 2025 season.

Read More: Racing icon questions Toto Wolff’s ‘desperation’ to sign Max Verstappen for 2026