Verstappen to Aston Martin or sabbatical year after Red Bull?

Or, if Red Bull really nose-dive, does Verstappen pull an 'Alain Prost' — take a year off, recharge, and return to dominate all over again with Aston Martin or whatever team he lands up with? Former F1 driver turned pundit Johnny Herbert has been thinking hard about it too.

Herbert said: "If the Saudis get involved with Aston Martin, and you had the money, you would pay all you have to get Max Verstappen. He's still, by far, the best driver on the grid. He's still out-qualifying the McLaren, even when it’s faster.

"If Aston Martin get their development right for next year, they could become the next team to beat. But it's a big hill to climb. Verstappen and Adrian Newey at their peak would be a nightmare for everyone else — but nothing’s guaranteed."

The real kicker? Verstappen might be able to trigger his Red Bull exit this season. Herbert said: "Helmut Marko alluded to a get-out clause. Perfect timing for Max. I just hope he picks the right team to stay at the top. We want him, Piastri, and others fighting for the title. It's what F1 needs."

Lawrence Stroll is no fool. We know it — and Herbert knows it too: "Lawrence is a shrewd businessman. He's moving Aston Martin towards being a winning team. If Saudi Arabia help and he signs Verstappen, the dream becomes real.

"Lawrence is a petrolhead. Maybe they get 50%, maybe less — who knows? As for Lance Stroll, he's been underwhelming lately. Alonso’s still showing him up. But it's not a great car right now either.

"Lawrence will want to keep his son, and Lance has proven he can deliver when he has a good car. But if Verstappen comes in, consistency will be key for Lance to stay relevant," predicted Herbert.

While highly unlikely, a sabbatical could give Verstappen the clearest shot at picking his next empire.
But Herbert reckons leading Aston Martin from the start of 2026 might be the smarter move.

"No chance. He'd be ready, no problem. His three options are simple: stay at Red Bull, jump to Aston Martin or Mercedes, or take a year out," predicts Herbert.

But Mercedes isn’t a sure thing either, reckons the Englishman: "Mercedes spoke to the Verstappens before Max even entered F1. They have a better car than Aston Martin for next year, from what I hear.

"They’ve lost their dominance, but they could be back stronger next season. And remember — Aston Martin have Adrian Newey too. In terms of 2026 regulations, that could be critical."

Waiting, Herbert warned, could cost Verstappen more than he thinks: "If Antonelli and Russell start locking out first and second next year, Max loses his shot at Mercedes. Then it’s Aston or bust. And if either team start dominating, they won’t want to change their lineup.

"Right now? Verstappen leading Aston Martin looks like the best move," Herbert concluded. Which means the Dutch ace will reunite with Newey, the man who designed all four of his Formula 1 world title winning cars.