Despite persistent rumors about the defending World Champion’s future with Red Bull, Andy Cowell denied rumors that Max Verstappen was considering a switch to Aston Martin.

Verstappen’s relationship with Red Bull has been a big topic of conversation in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix paddock, despite the season only having four races completed. This came after Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s racing consultant, said that he was “extremely concerned” about Verstappen’s future with the company.

During Thursday’s formal press conference in Jeddah, Marko’s comments sparked a barrage of questions aimed at Verstappen. Despite the fact that the team presently has contracts with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll until at least 2026, Aston Martin was mentioned as a potential landing destination.

In response to inquiries regarding whether the Silverstone-based team would be interested in signing Verstappen, Aston Martin’s manager Cowell was the most recent to comment at Friday’s news conference of team principals.

The CEO and Team Principal of Aston Martin said, “We’re extremely fortunate that we have two incredibly experienced drivers signed for the next two years, and that means I can just focus on trying to help improve the business and the art of making a fast race car.”

Cowell said, “I’m saying that my head is full of improving the company so that we can make a fast race car for Lance and Fernando,” when asked whether this was a guarantee that there would be “no room for Max Verstappen in 2026.”

Given that Honda is expected to join Aston Martin next year after their time with Red Bull, and that former Red Bull designer Adrian Newey has already moved from Milton Keynes to Silverstone, there is increasing optimism that the team may provide Verstappen with a familiar setting.

However, a major overhaul of Aston Martin’s existing driver roster would be necessary for any such move to become a reality anytime soon.

For his part, Fernando Alonso dismissed any worries about perhaps losing his place, describing the likelihood of working alongside Verstappen as “very unlikely.” The rumors, he said, are a credit to the progress Aston Martin has achieved in the last several seasons.

This demonstrates the project we are working on and the team’s future. I will continue to drive for as long as I feel fast, competitive, and the team needs me behind the wheel, as I have said often, including when I extended the contract last year,” Alonso stated.

However, I will remain with this team for many years in a different capacity since my contract is much longer than my racing career. And I will be really proud of the project even if it means I can win a World Championship without driving.