Verstappen Rebuffs Sky Sports, Alonso Eager for New Car Amidst Horner Rumors
Max Verstappen playfully deflected a Sky Sports reporter's car-centric questions after his Las Vegas GP win, asserting his skill. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso expressed his relief to move past the struggling AMR25, anticipating Adrian Newey's AMR26. Simultaneously, rumors are swirling about Christian Horner possibly taking a leadership role at Aston Martin, hinting at significant changes for the team as the F1 season nears its climax.
Max Verstappen playfully dismissed a Sky Sports reporter's suggestion that his recent dominance was solely car-dependent, following his victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso expressed his anticipation for the end of the season, eager to move on from the underperforming AMR25, as rumors circulate about Christian Horner potentially joining Aston Martin.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's sharp response highlights the ongoing debate about driver skill versus car performance in F1, a narrative that often follows dominant periods. Alonso's candid remarks underscore the frustrations within Aston Martin and the team's high hopes for Adrian Newey's influence on the AMR26, critical for their competitive future. The rumors surrounding Horner add another layer of intrigue, suggesting potential significant leadership changes at Aston Martin.
The details:
- Verstappen's Vegas Victory: Verstappen secured a commanding win at the Las Vegas Grand Prix after Lando Norris made an error on the first corner, propelling the Dutchman into the lead.
- Sky Sports Exchange: A Sky Sports reporter questioned Verstappen about his 20-second victory margin, implying a return to Red Bull's past dominance and asking if the car was sufficient for the remaining races. Verstappen, smiling, responded, "Yeah, it's all about the car!" When the reporter clarified that he praised Verstappen's driving, not just the car, Verstappen simply said, "yeah."
- Championship Standings: Verstappen is now 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 eagerness to bid farewell to the AMR25, which has struggled to deliver significant results this season. He views the final two races as "celebratory Grands Prix" because "we won't be driving this car anymore."
- Newey's Influence: Adrian Newey has been designing the AMR26, sparking considerable attention due to his track record of designing 12 Constructors' Championship-winning cars, raising hopes for Aston Martin's future performance.
- Aston Martin Leadership Rumors: Reports suggest Aston Martin has parted ways with CEO and team principal Andy Cowell. Christian Horner, formerly Red Bull's team boss, is among the names rumored to be considered for the vacant CEO and team principal role. This potential move could significantly reshape Aston Martin's leadership and strategic direction.
- McLaren's Aggressive Setup: There's speculation that Verstappen's recent strong form might have pushed McLaren to adopt a more aggressive car setup for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, potentially contributing to their issues during the race.
What's next:
With only two races left in the season, the championship battle remains tight, with Verstappen aiming to close the gap further. All eyes will be on Aston Martin to see if the rumors surrounding Christian Horner materialize and how Adrian Newey's AMR26 will perform, potentially signaling a new era for the team in 2025.