Verstappen leaving Red Bull? Franz Tost sees the driver going to this team!

14:44, 17 Apr

byKada Sarkozi

Former team principal Franz Tost sees a clear favourite as Max Verstappen's next destination, given the Dutchman decides to leave Red Bull Racing.

Franz Tost was Toro Rosso's team principal when a young Max Verstappen made his F1 debut.

The now retired Austrian believes the Dutchman is a 'simply special' driver, not only because of the floor of his pace, but also because of his mental approach.

“He has incredible mental strength and knows how to use it at the right moment and under the proper circumstances. That is crucial and what makes Max so superior,” the team principal said in a video from F1-Insider.

'Every team wants Verstappen'

A trend that began in the 2024 season, Red Bull currently cannot give the Dutchman a car that allows him to fight for victories week in week out.

Therefore, there is much speculation about the defending world champion's potential departure. “Max is in a position where he can choose a team,” Tost says.

“I believe everyone wants to sign Max Verstappen because he makes a car two tenths faster. With the field so close together, that's a lot.”

According to the former team principal, it still remains to seen whether Verstappen would decide to leave in the end, and the Austrian also pointed out he has a long-term contract

He has two possible destinations: Mercedes and Aston Martin. “Mercedes is genuinely showing great performance,” says Tost. “On the other hand, you might wonder why Mercedes would need Max if they have Russell, who is currently performing wonderfully. But that's a decision for Toto [Wolff] to make.”

Tost predicts bright future for Aston Martin

Tost believes there is great potential at the Silverstone-based site: “Honestly, I prefer that team. Why? Because I believe in the team's future. They've brought in very, very good people. Adrian Newey is the best engineer in the paddock with his tremendous experience,” the Austrian says, explaining that Newey's track record only shows he achieved success everywhere.

Tost also praises Aston Martin's CEO and team principal. He points out that the Brit previously designed the BMW power unit, at the time the best on the grid.

“After that, he went to Mercedes and did great work there too. He knows what it's about. In general, they have the best people in terms of design and engines. Of course, Cowell will not design an engine. Honda will. But I can well imagine there's close communication between Andy Cowell and the Japanese.”

He also underlined the British team now have a new factory and a modern wind tunnel.

“Aston Martin is definitely a team with a bright future ahead for me,” he concluded.

This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen