As speculation about Max Verstappen’s future continues to dominate the paddock chatter, a curious twist has emerged. Amidst all the swirling transfer rumours, some insiders now believe that the biggest domino that could fall as a result of Verstappen’s next move could be none other than his friend and fellow champion, Fernando Alonso.
While the Spaniard remains publicly unfazed and deeply committed to Aston Martin, Verstappen’s potential arrival at the Silverstone-based outfit could indirectly hasten Alonso’s long-awaited retirement.
In the days leading up to the Saudi Grand Prix, Alonso was unusually open in his praise of Verstappen. Although the two drivers represent very different eras in F1, Alonso made it clear that he sees a kindred spirit in the reigning world champion – especially when it comes to getting the most out of cars that aren’t always the best on the grid.
Mutual respect between champions
“It reminds me of my time at Ferrari, especially in 2010 and 2012,” Alonso told Motorsport.com.
“We had the third or fourth fastest car, sometimes we didn’t even make it to Q3, but we still won races and fought for the title until the last race. That’s what Max is doing now.
Verstappen’s clinical dominance, despite Red Bull’s off-track turbulence, draws comparisons to Alonso’s own heroics a decade ago. It’s that rare ability to outperform the car that Alonso admires – and implicitly hints that Verstappen’s next chapter could mirror his own journey: the search for a competitive home beyond the team that brought him titles.
A dream pairing that’s unlikely to happen
Despite Alonso’s admiration for Verstappen, he is realistic about the chances of ever racing alongside him. Asked if he would welcome Verstappen to Aston Martin, Alonso didn’t hesitate. “Yes,” he said, before quickly adding with a grin, “but it’s very unlikely. Very unlikely.”
Why such certainty? The answer lies not with Alonso, but with Aston Martin’s unique team dynamic. The second seat in the team is firmly held by Lance Stroll, the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. In the politically charged world of F1, the idea of the elder Stroll ousting his own son is treated as implausible. That leaves just one vacant seat at Aston Martin – and it is currently occupied by Alonso.
Which raises the provocative question: if Verstappen were to join Aston Martin, who would make way?
Vasseur tells Hamilton to improve, stop the complaints with a veiled threat of the sack
Alonso’s position: Safe, for now
Alonso is adamant that his current position isn’t under threat. “I have a contract for next year,” he said, brushing off rumours with characteristic calm. In fact, Alonso takes the Verstappen speculation as a compliment.
“I see these rumours as positive for the team. The fact that the reigning world champion is linked to us shows the potential of our project.
This optimism reflects a larger narrative that Alonso has cultivated since joining Aston Martin. He sees himself not just as a driver, but as an architect of the team’s future.
“As I said when I renewed my contract last year, as long as I feel fast and competitive and the team wants me at the wheel, I’ll keep driving,” he explained. “But my contract extends well beyond my active career.”
In other words, Alonso is laying the foundations for a future with Aston Martin that could extend beyond his time on the track – perhaps in an ambassadorial, advisory or even executive role. Interestingly, he’s even open to seeing another driver – perhaps Verstappen – reap the rewards of the foundation he’s helping to build.
“If one day we win the world championship, even if I am no longer behind the wheel, I will still be very proud of this project,” said Alonso.
The clock is ticking
However, Alonso is well aware that time is not on his side. He will be 44 this summer, making him by far the oldest driver on the grid. While his performances remain sharp, even Alonso knows that the end is nearer than the beginning.
He has no illusions about racing into his fifties.
“Probably not,” he admits. But he’s not setting a firm deadline for his career either.
“I really wanted to race this year and in 2026 to experience the new regulations and Honda’s entry,” he noted, referring to the technical overhaul coming to F1.
“But I don’t know what will happen after 2026. I’ll decide from year to year, depending on how I feel and how motivated I am.”
His decision to continue racing will be based on internal motivation, physical performance and, most importantly, his value to the team.
“If I’m still fast and they want me, we’ll extend the contract. If not, or if I feel I’m no longer competitive, I’ll be the first to say so.”
Shocking statistics from Red Bull young driver programme
Enter Newey, enter opportunities
A key factor that encouraged Alonso to commit beyond 2024 was the surprise arrival of design legend Adrian Newey at Aston Martin.
“That was obviously a factor in the contract negotiations last year,” confirmed Alonso. Newey’s presence is expected to give the team a competitive edge under the new regulations – and perhaps even make it an attractive destination for someone like Verstappen.
By planting the seeds of his long-term future within the team, while remaining flexible about his driving role, Alonso has created a graceful exit – one that could allow for a generational change if Verstappen were to step in after 2026.
‘Perez closes mega deal and makes spectacular comeback with new F1 team’
Decisions in the hands of the Strolls
Much will depend on the vision of Lawrence and Lance Stroll. Alonso speaks highly of both men, describing their relationship as one based on mutual trust.
“We said: Until the end of 2026 – and after that, we will sit down together honestly – with Lawrence and Lance – and see what is best for the team.”
This collaborative approach suggests that Alonso would not be opposed to stepping aside if it benefits the team, especially if he is offered a meaningful role within the organisation in the future.
The timing could be right for such a move. By the end of 2026, the impact of the next major change in regulations will be clearer and the competitive hierarchy will begin to reassert itself. At that point, Aston Martin could become the kind of top-tier outfit that attracts Verstappen – and Alonso may be ready to hand over the keys.
Intentions for an F1 team based in Saudi
Alonso’s legacy in green
Regardless of what lies ahead, Alonso sees his move to Aston Martin as a personal and professional success.
“When I left Alpine, I didn’t feel I could compete with them for the title,” he recalled. “Maybe they will succeed in the future, but my racing career won’t last forever.”
The move to Aston Martin paid off almost immediately, with a flurry of podium finishes in 2023 and a renewed competitiveness.
“I really enjoyed the 2023 season,” he said. And while 2024 has been more subdued, Alonso still believes the team is heading in the right direction. “We are a team of the future, not necessarily of the present.”
He is deeply committed to seeing Aston Martin reach the top – whether he’s behind the wheel or watching from the pit wall. “I will do my best to ensure that Aston achieves the best possible results as soon as possible,” said Alonso. “Even if it’s someone else who wins the title one day, I’ll be proud.”
And if that someone else is Verstappen? Alonso, the racer and the realist, may well be the first to applaud.
Vasseur tells Hamilton to improve, stop the complaints with a veiled threat of the sack
MORE F1 NEWS – F1 bombshell: Verstappen could leave Red Bull this summer
The results from the opening rounds of the 2025 season are not exactly what Red Bull and Max Verstappen were hoping for. With just one win in four Grand Prix the Formula One drivers’ champion is enduring his worst start to a year in terms of victories since the epic season that was 2021.
Then Lewis Hamilton won three of the first four Grand Prix, with Verstappen’s single visit to the top step of the podium coming at the Emilia Romagne race weekend. Of course this was to become an epic season long duel which resulted in the Dutch driver becoming F1 world champion for the first time.
Yet even back in 2021, Max finished second in the three races he failed to win and he remained P2 in drivers’ championship table as the F1 circus headed to the fifth round in Monaco. The current dominant McLaren car now sees both their drivers in the top spots, with Oscar Piastri making up for…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
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.
