Verstappen Fires Back at Reporter, Alonso Eager for New Car Amid Horner Rumors

Max Verstappen shrugged off a Sky Sports reporter's query about his dominance after a commanding Las Vegas Grand Prix victory, playfully asserting the car's role. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso expressed his eagerness to move on from Aston Martin's underperforming AMR25, and rumors are circulating about Christian Horner potentially joining Aston Martin.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's exchange highlights the perennial debate in F1: how much of a driver's success is due to skill versus machinery. His continued performance in a seemingly dominant car sets the stage for the final races, with the championship still tight. For Aston Martin, Alonso's clear dissatisfaction underscores the urgent need for a competitive car in 2026, especially with Adrian Newey designing the AMR26, and the potential addition of Christian Horner could signal a major shake-up aiming for Red Bull-esque dominance.

The details:

• Verstappen's Post-Race Interaction: Following his masterclass victory in Las Vegas, where he won by 20 seconds, Verstappen was asked if his current Red Bull car indicated a return to past dominance. He humorously retorted, "Yeah, it's all about the car!" when the reporter complimented his driving.
• Championship Standings: Verstappen is now only 24 points behind championship leader Lando Norris and is level on points with Oscar Piastri as the season approaches its penultimate round.
• Alonso's Disappointment with AMR25: Fernando Alonso openly shared his anticipation for the end of the season, explicitly stating his relief at not having to drive the AMR25, which has yielded few meaningful results. He views the upcoming Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix as "celebratory" largely because they mark the farewell to this underperforming car.
• Aston Martin's 2023 vs. 2025 Performance: Alonso had a strong debut with Aston Martin in 2023, securing nine podiums and challenging Max Verstappen early in the season. However, he has not achieved a single podium since, with Aston Martin sliding into the midfield.
• Adrian Newey's Role: Adrian Newey, renowned for designing 12 Constructors' Championship-winning cars, is currently designing Aston Martin's AMR26, raising hopes for a significant performance leap.
• Christian Horner Rumors: Speculation suggests Christian Horner could replace Andy Cowell as Team Principal at Aston Martin. Cowell, who took over from Mike Krack for the 2025 season, has overseen a difficult period, prompting another potential leadership change.
• Horner's Availability: Horner was dismissed by Red Bull Racing earlier this season and is currently on gardening leave, meaning he would only be eligible to join Aston Martin midway through the 2026 season.
• Potential Reunion: A move to Aston Martin would reunite Horner with Adrian Newey, a pairing that was instrumental in building Red Bull's dynasty, fueling speculation about Aston Martin's ambition to replicate that success.

What's next:

The remaining two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will be crucial for the championship contenders, while Aston Martin will look towards the 2026 season with renewed hope. If the rumors of Christian Horner's appointment materialize, combined with Adrian Newey's design for the AMR26, Aston Martin could be poised for a significant transformation, potentially challenging the top teams in the coming years. The F1 paddock will be closely watching how these developments unfold, particularly regarding leadership changes and the performance of the new car. The upcoming races will also give fans a final glimpse of the current car before the transition to the new regulations.