Helmut Marko issues Max Verstappen warning over joining Adrian Newey at Aston Martin

Never mind Mercedes, Helmut Marko has warned Red Bull could lose Max Verstappen to Aston Martin as Adrian Newey’s arrival will create an “upward trend” – but he has also warned Verstappen, too.

Red Bull’s experienced designer Newey will be joining Aston Martin next season in a new position called Managing Technical Partner. In addition, he will also have a stake in the company.

Helmut Marko has not completely dismissed the possibility of Max Verstappen moving to Aston Martin. The British man will start his new job in March 2025, where he will supervise the development of Aston Martin’s Formula 1 car for 2026. His impact may even be seen on the 2025 car towards the end of the year.

It’s a huge coup for Aston Martin, who beat the likes of Ferrari and Alpine to his signature, while Mercedes and Williams were also reportedly interested.

But with Aston Martin offering Newey “total control and responsibility”, his manager Eddie Jordan says akin to that of a team principal, it’s the Silverstone team that could join the list of those celebrating an Adrian Newey-designed championship-winning car.

And they could even do so with Max Verstappen behind the wheel.

“Max drives where he can win,” the Red Bull motorsport advisor told Kleine Zeitung.

“Aston Martin has the most modern factory, the wind tunnel will be operational next year and Honda engines will be added to that. Everything fits.

“And if you look at history, it is clear: wherever Newey has gone, there has been an upward trend. I don’t know why it should be any different at Aston Martin.”

Marko, however, believes it will also take time for Newey’s influence to be felt on the Aston Martin F1 car.

“Adrian Newey will not be able to begin until March 1, 2025, which is considered quite late.

It is important for the entire Aston Martin team to familiarize themselves with each other first,” he further commented.

The 81-year-old stated that it is Red Bull’s responsibility to prove to Verstappen that they are capable of providing him with a car that can win championships.

“He believes that he can also win championships with us if we are successful in this World Championship. This is a top priority,” he stated.

Verstappen was questioned about Aston Martin’s statement about an open door policy, but he informed the media in Baku that his main priority for today is assisting Red Bull in regaining their status as the top team on the track.

“At the moment, I have other concerns that I am focusing on and working towards,” he explained.

The idea of that is something I may consider in the future, but not currently.”