Last Updated on April 1 2025, 1:49 pm
A surprising statement has emerged from the Formula One paddock, and it’s as dramatic as any Hollywood script: Max Verstappen, the sport’s reigning superstar, could be lured away from Red Bull Racing by none other than Lawrence Stroll – the hard-driving, deep-pocketed owner of Aston Martin.
And if that sounds like something out of The Godfather, it’s no coincidence. F1 legend Juan Pablo Montoya is already casting Stroll in the lead role of Don Corleone, with an offer so compelling that even Verstappen – Red Bull’s golden child – may not be able to refuse.
Never shy about voicing strong opinions, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya sees a possible seismic shift in the Formula 1 driver market on the horizon, depending not only on Verstappen’s ambitions but also on the strategic manoeuvres being orchestrated behind the scenes at Aston Martin. In his eyes, all roads could soon lead to Silverstone.
Stroll’s master plan: Building the Aston Martin empire
According to Montoya, Lawrence Stroll is not just building a team – he is building an empire. And the centrepiece of that vision could very well be Max Verstappen.
“I think Max will get an offer from Aston Martin that he can’t refuse,” Montoya said confidently, when discussing the growing speculation about the Dutch driver’s long-term future. It’s a sentiment that has gained traction in recent months, as rumours of discontent within the Red Bull camp and power struggles at the top continue to swirl.
Montoya’s prediction hinges on the enormous pull factor of not only Stroll’s money and ambition, but the brain trust he’s assembled around him – most notably legendary engineer Adrian Newey. After decades of success and multiple world championships as Red Bull’s chief technical architect, Newey’s involvement with Aston Martin – formalised in March – has completely changed the equation.
“If I were Max, I would go to Aston. Mercedes would be cool too, but Aston would be the logical choice because they have Adrian,” added Montoya. For a driver like Verstappen, already a three-time world champion and still in his mid-20s, the path forward may not simply be about the fastest car today, but the strongest foundation for long-term dominance.
A delicate exit strategy for Red Bull
Despite the rumours, Montoya believes Verstappen won’t jump ship at the first opportunity. A move of this magnitude would not be done impulsively, especially for a driver who has grown up within the Red Bull system and achieved almost all of his success under its banner. But the signs of potential discontent could not be ignored.
“Maybe he will give Red Bull a chance for a year and give Adrian a chance to understand everything,” said Montoya, suggesting that Verstappen will weigh his options carefully. It’s not about abandoning a sinking ship – it’s about having a spare yacht in the harbour.
Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull is unquestionable, but not unconditional. Should Red Bull struggle to adapt to F1’s sweeping regulatory changes in 2026, Montoya believes Verstappen will act swiftly. “If Red Bull stumbles in the first year under the new regulations, I wouldn’t be surprised if Max had already signed with someone else by the third race,” he said bluntly.
In that scenario, the timing would be perfect for Aston Martin. By 2026, the team will not only have Newey fully embedded, but also a new works engine deal with Honda, a state-of-the-art factory and a growing list of high-calibre personnel from top teams. The project that Stroll has invested hundreds of millions in may finally be coming to fruition – just in time to hand the keys to Verstappen.
Alonso’s future in doubt
One major consequence of Verstappen’s hypothetical move to Aston Martin would be the ousting of current team principal Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard, who turns 44 in 2026, is contracted until the end of this season, but has already hinted that his F1 career won’t last much longer.
According to Montoya, Verstappen’s arrival would spell the definitive end of Alonso’s time on the grid. “If Verstappen actually signs with Aston Martin, it would be the end of Fernando Alonso,” he said, predicting that Alonso would move into an ambassadorial role for the team.
“Fernando would be furious, but it’s the right move,” Montoya admitted. The Colombian believes it’s a necessary evolution – one that puts the team’s competitive future ahead of sentimentality or seniority.
The politics of the move are delicate. Aston Martin is, after all, a team built around Stroll’s vision – and, at times, his son. Lance Stroll’s presence on the grid has long been supported by his father’s ownership, leading to endless scrutiny over whether performance or family loyalty is driving car assignments.
Montoya offered a stark reminder of how fragile that arrangement can be: “If you take Lance out, you lose Lawrence. And if you lose Lawrence, you lose everything. You lose Aston Martin and then there’s no Max.”
In short, if Verstappen is to join the team, the line-up will have to be carefully constructed to avoid an internal implosion. And that almost certainly means making room by pushing out Alonso rather than Lance.
The 2026 gamble: All in for a new era
All of this speculation centres around the looming 2026 regulations reset – Formula One’s next big shake-up. With new engine rules and revised chassis regulations on the way, the field is likely to be dramatically reshuffled. It’s a moment of risk and opportunity, and Aston Martin is betting big.
“It’s a new team and everyone has to start working together,” said Montoya, admitting that despite their progress, Aston Martin are still integrating the myriad of new staff brought in by Stroll. The synergy between departments, the understanding of the car and the reliability of the new power unit will all take time to refine.
Montoya is confident that the team will be “definitely better” by 2026 – but he also warns against unrealistic expectations. “I don’t think they’ll have a string of wins,” he noted, pointing out that building a title contending car is more of a marathon than a sprint. Even with Newey and Verstappen, the road to glory won’t be automatic.
Still, it’s the prospect of combining a legendary designer with a generational talent that has Montoya – and many others in the paddock – excited. In Verstappen and Newey, Aston Martin would possess a driver-engineer combo reminiscent of the most dominant dynasties in F1 history.
Closing chapters and new legacies
Montoya’s comments frame the potential Verstappen move as not only plausible, but almost inevitable. The idea of Lawrence Stroll playing the role of F1’s godfather is more than just a colourful analogy – it is a reflection of how power is distributed in the modern sport. Money, influence and long-term vision often trump short-term results, and few teams play that long game more aggressively than Aston Martin.
If this transition unfolds as Montoya imagines, the next few seasons could mark the end of several eras – Alonso’s storied career, Red Bull’s sustained dominance and the notion that Verstappen’s future is irrevocably tied to Milton Keynes.
In their place, a new story would emerge: Aston Martin, the sleeping giant, finally roaring to life. Powered by Honda, led by Newey and driven by Verstappen, it would be a new superteam for a new era of F1.
An offer he can’t refuse? This may not just be Montoya’s dramatic way of putting it – it could be the future unfolding before our very eyes.
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
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