“Max is no fool,” Ex-F1 driver urges Max Verstappen to ditch Red Bull for Aston Martin

Former F1 driver and race steward Johnny Herbert asserted that it would be foolish for Max Verstappen to not consider Aston Martin for 2026.

“Max is no fool,” Ex-F1 driver urges Max Verstappen to ditch Red Bull for Aston Martin

Max Verstappen and Lawrence Stroll (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen is currently under contract at Red Bull till the end of 2028. However, the reigning world champion has the option to use an exit clause to leave for a rival team. Now, former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has asserted that Aston Martin might be the right fit for the Dutch driver.

The Silverstone-based squad was rumored to have offered Verstappen a historic $1.2 billion deal. Though, Aston Martin quickly dismissed such speculation. Nevertheless, the British team is reportedly interested in Max Verstappen, with ex-Red Bull technical chief Adrian Newey also joining the squad this year.

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Johnny Herbert declared that Verstappen was not a fool. Aston Martin was likely the right future option for the four-time world champion. Moreover, Herbert asserted that Max Verstappen will only want to be at a team which would give him the best chance to fight for the world championship in the coming years.

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It makes total sense [for Verstappen to join Aston Martin]. Max is no fool. Max is going to want to place himself in the best place that will give him that chance of winning races and a World Championship.

Johnny Herbert told CasinoApps

Max Verstappen’s contract ‘doesn’t mean anything’

Despite Verstappen’s long-term Red Bull deal, he has the provision to leave Milton Keynes before 2028. This was revealed by Dr. Helmut Marko who admitted that the Dutchman has an exit clause. Herbert pointed out that this essentially leaves Verstappen’s contract with no real value if the Austrian team does not meet its performance targets.

Adrian Newey and Max Verstappen
Adrian Newey and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

I know he’s got the contract until 2028 but again contracts don’t mean anything if performance is not there.

Johnny Herbert added

Certainly, Max Verstappen will not be afraid from looking at a rival team if Red Bull fails to perform in 2025. Aston Martin is the likely frontrunner in this regard. Though, even Mercedes might be willing to discuss such a switch with the 27-year-old. Thus, fans will have to wait and see how things pan out for the reigning world champion this year.