Formula 1 News: Andy Cowell tightlipped on Verstappen rumors

On Friday, the Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport reported Aston Martin, with money from the Saudi Arabian PIF, are prepared to offer Red Bull driver Max Verstappen a deal worth $300 million over three years, equal to $100 million per year plus endorsements.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Verstappen’s F1 future has been a hot topic during this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for two reasons:

1) The Red Bull car is a slow sled now that Adrian Newey has left the team and,

2) Helmut Marko’s post-race comments in Bahrain that he feared Verstappen could leave the team amid Red Bull’s poor on-track performance could trigger an exit clause in his contract.

During the FIA press conference on Thursday, Verstappen wasn’t keen to discuss his future, putting F1 commentator David Croft in his place by saying: “focus on commentating”.

**Crofty:** “So he’s [Marko] getting the wrong end of the stick? You’re not thinking of leaving Red Bull? **Verstappen:** “No, I think [you] just focus on commentating, I’ll focus on driving and then you don’t need to think about any other scenarios.” (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool //

Fernando Alonso was present alongside Verstappen and admitted he would be open to teaming up with the reigning world champion, but that possibility is “highly unlikely”.

Isack Hadjar of France and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing, and Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team look on during the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 17, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool //

Aston Martin F1 boss Andy Cowell (pictured at top) dodged questions about speculation linking Max Verstappen to Aston Martin for F1 2026. Cowell, who replaced Mike Krack as team principal ahead of the 2025 F1 season, was asked whether the speculation around Verstappen has destabilized the team.

Cowell replied: “We’re incredibly fortunate that we’ve got two experienced drivers signed for the next two years and that means I can just focus on trying to help improve the business and the art of making a fast race car.”

The former Mercedes engine guru was then asked whether there would be any room for Verstappen in 2026.

Cowell remained tightlipped.

“I am saying that my head’s full of improving the company so that we can make a fast race car for Lance [Stroll] and Fernando [Alonso],” Cowell said.

Red Bull Boss Horner Responds

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has finally spoken out to address rumors Max Verstappen could leave the team after this year.

Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 18, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool //

Despite winning the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this month, the Red Bull RB21 is a sled that the talented Verstappen is carrying on his back.

In an interview with Sky Sports ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Horner has put the record straight and directly addressed the rumors.

He said: “I think noise is exactly the right word to describe it, there’s been a lot of noise outside of the team.

“Inside of the team Max reaffirmed his commitment yesterday, we’re focused on making the car go faster, Max is part of that and he’s a committed part of team. The rest is all speculation and hearsay.”

When asked by Martin Brundle to clarify if he expects Verstappen to be a Red Bull driver for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, Horner assuredly said: “Yeah, absolutely.”

The Red Bull boss was then asked by Sky Sport’s Natalie Pinkham to address Marko’s comments.

“Look, people are always going to have their concerns, but as a team we are focused very much on sorting this car out. If we sort the car out, this doesn’t even become a discussion point,” he replied.

And if they don’t – Verstappen is gone.

Fans React

“That’s bs, Max isn’t that cheap, and Stroll isn’t selling. Can’t believe people are falling for these,” wrote one fan.

“88M ($100 million USD) per year damn and with all his sponsors also😭120M per year for sure,” wrote a fan.

“Aston seems like the only team he would go to, I honestly believe that,” said a fan.

“That money tax-free, Max won’t refuse. Red Bull are f***ed,” claimed another.

“Please, for the love of god, give us the Alonso and Max team. We need to bench the window licker,” wished another.