Mike Krack says ‘the door is always open’ for Max Verstappen at Aston Martin after Adrian Newey agrees to join from Red Bull

Mike Krack believes “every team” on the Formula 1 grid would be interested in signing Max Verstappen if the opportunity arises, stating that “the door is always open” for the three-time world champion at Aston Martin.

Aston Martin arrive at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix fresh from signing legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey – with whom Verstappen has worked at Red Bull for several years – as their new Managing Technical Partner.

It marks the latest step in team owner Lawrence Stroll’s grand plans to turn the Silverstone-based outfit into world champions, having invested in a state-of-the-art Technology Campus, a new wind tunnel and a host of other big-name hirings.

Speaking to the media in Baku on Thursday, with the news being the talk of the paddock, Team Principal Krack began: “It’s very exciting for all of us. I’m still smiling! It was difficult to stop smiling. I think it’s fantastic news for us as a team.

SILVERSTONE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Adrian Newey at a press conference at Aston Martin — Newey was presented by Aston Martin at their Silverstone headquarters earlier this week

“The enthusiasm is enormous. I mean, it was a very badly kept secret, but when the news was communicated internally, it was just mega to see 800 people cheering. Then when Adrian came on the stage [at the presentation] it was even more, so that was really nice and very impressive.”

Later in his press session, Krack was asked whether Newey’s impending arrival might lead to some more interest from other drivers looking to join the team in the future – with all-new technical regulations coming into play from 2026.

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As it stands, Aston Martin are set to continue with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll for the foreseeable future, with both drivers penning new deals earlier this year that will take them through the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

“I think it will make a difference for everybody, starting with the staff,” Krack continued. “I think when you manage to appoint Adrian Newey, it’s first of all proof that the project is credible, that the whole vision of Lawrence is not only words, but it’s really action.

Adrian Newey moves to Aston Martin

“We can take confidence off [that] as a team. This is not anymore [being seen as] underdogs, like it used to be in the past, it’s a team that should be confident that it can do it.

“Then, also, you have a completely different approach with partners, and it’s the same for race drivers. I think it opens a lot of doors for the future.”

Pushed whether it opens the door to Verstappen, given his success in Newey-designed cars, Krack added: “The door for Max Verstappen is always open, I think, for every team!”

Verstappen holds a long-term deal at Red Bull running through 2028, with team boss Christian Horner stressing on several occasions this year that he expects the Dutchman to see out his contract.