Tost adamant: ‘Aston Martin will be the team of the future’

Aston Martin’s 2025 F1 season has so far been a disappointing affair both in terms of performance and results, yet former AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost sees a radiant future for the British outfit, driven by owner Lawrence Stroll’s hefty investments and a stellar cast of human resources.

Tost’s confidence in Aston Martin’s trajectory – bolstered by owner Lawrence Stroll’s hefty investments, a stellar cast of human resources, a new factory and a looming Honda partnership – paints it as a potential powerhouse, perhaps even tempting enough to lure reigning world champion Max Verstappen.

Speaking recently to Sport1, Tost outlined why he believes Aston Martin is poised to dominate in F1 at some point in the future.

A Team Built for Greatness

Tost was particularly effusive about Aston Martin’s recruitment of industry heavyweights.

“I believe Aston will be the team of the future,” commented the F1 veteran who left the sport at the end of the 2023 season.

“They've signed some very good people, including Adrian Newey and Andy Cowell. Newey, in my opinion, is the best technician in the paddock and has immense experience.

“And now they also have Andy Cowell. I know him from my time at BMW. Back then, Cowell built the legendary ten-cylinder engine, which was by far the best engine. Then he went to Mercedes and did a fantastic job there too.”

Tost framed the duo as a dream team.

“In summary, you could say: Aston Martin has the best man in the car sector and the best man in the powertrain sector.

“Of course, Honda, not Cowell, is responsible for the new engine, which will be launched in 2026 – but I can well imagine that there will be close communication between Honda and Cowell.

“Honda is not only extremely motivated, but also very open. In addition, Aston Martin has a very modern factory with the appropriate facilities. That's why, for me, they represent the future.”

Verstappen’s Temptation: Aston Martin as a Destination

Amid swirling speculation over Max Verstappen’s long-term commitment to Red Bull, Aston Martin has emerged as a potential destination should the Dutchman seek a new challenge.

Red Bull’s recent dip in form, along with contractual exit clauses tied to team performance, have added fuel to the rumors of a possible move.

Tost believes Verstappen holds all the cards.

“One thing is certain: Max is in a position where he can choose a team. I think everyone would like to sign him because he is simply three-tenths per lap faster than everyone else – that is a huge advantage.”

While the Dutchman remains under contract with Red Bull until 2028, Tost notes that interest from rival teams is inevitable – and he sees Aston Martin as a strong contender, possibly even the leading one.

“At the moment he is still a Red Bull driver; he has a long-term contract there,” the Austrian continued.

“Now it depends on whether he sticks to that contract. If he does move, there are various teams for him. Mercedes is the top priority, but Aston Martin could also be of interest to him.”

“Mercedes is performing excellently. Of course, Mercedes has to consider whether to sign Max, because George Russell is performing so well at the moment.”

• Read also: Honda keen on future reunion with Verstappen after Red Bull split

Tost concluded with a bold prediction about where Verstappen could ultimately land.

“Ultimately, that will be up to Toto Wolff to decide. Personally, I think Aston Martin is the favourite.”

With the foundation now firmly in place at Silverstone and F1's new engine era just around the corner, Franz Tost’s confidence in Aston Martin’s trajectory may soon be vindicated.

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