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Aston Martin and Mercedes in High-Stakes Battle for Max Verstappen Amid 2026 Speculation
Aston Martin pulls out all the stops in battle with Mercedes for Max Verstappen
"I'm still convinced Max will switch to Mercedes by 2026"
A former Dutch Red Bull driver has shown support for Aston Martin in their pursuit to eventually secure Max Verstappen.
Speculation about Verstappen's career has been rampant in the Formula 1 circles throughout the year, even as his continued supremacy on the track seems poised to secure him a fourth straight championship title this season.
Disagreements involving Christian Horner, Helmut Marko, and Jos Verstappen at different points during the season have made competitors hopeful about the possibility of signing the Formula 1 champion.
Earlier, Toto Wolff from Mercedes expressed his high regard for Verstappen. While it now appears confirmed that Verstappen will remain with Red Bull for the coming year, the competition to secure his services in the future could intensify.
"According to Robert Doornbos, who previously tested and served as a reserve driver for Red Bull and is currently an F1 commentator, Max Verstappen still maintains a solid connection with Mercedes."
Mercedes is expected to reveal during the Monza weekend that Kimi Antonelli will be joining George Russell as a new driver in 2025, filling the available slot in their team.
"I remain convinced that Max will switch to Mercedes by 2026, despite Aston Martin's efforts to entice him, regardless of the cost."
Doornbos had previously remarked, "Having already secured Fernando Alonso, a champion twice over, and making strides towards Max Verstappen, they are targeting the top talents."
Aston Martin has openly expressed their desire to advance to the leading positions in F1 racing.
The considerable financial resources of billionaire proprietor Lawrence Stroll turn their aspirations into reality, as he has recently committed to securing Alonso's services with a new deal through to the close of 2026.
The F1 squad now features a state-of-the-art facility in Silverstone and will collaborate with Honda as their new engine provider.
In 2026, the introduction of new Formula 1 rules will offer all teams the chance to gain a quick advantage over their competitors.
Aston Martin, alongside their efforts to secure Verstappen, is also rumored to be a potential landing spot for Adrian Newey, Red Bull's chief technical officer.
Nonetheless, Mercedes continues to be a tempting choice for many, possibly even for Verstappen, with discussions in the F1 paddock suggesting that their engine for the 2026 season might become the object of envy among their competitors.
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