Dutch commentator Nelson Valkenburg has suggested that Max Verstappen prefers a teammate who is competitive enough to be close to him, but not strong enough to beat him.

Despite Verstappen’s repeated denials of any involvement in Red Bull’s driver selection process, pundits continue to speculate about the Dutchman’s influence on the Milton Keynes-based team's decision.

Appearing on The Race podcast, Valkenburg claimed Verstappen “needs some back-up” and would like “a driver that is closer, but that wouldn’t beat him,” describing what he views as a delicate balance required in Verstappen’s ideal teammate dynamic.

Valkenburg argued that such conditions make Yuki Tsunoda, currently vying for a seat at Red Bull in 2026, an unlikely fit for Verstappen’s standards. He added that while Verstappen might benefit from a stronger teammate for strategic purposes, Tsunoda “is not yet there.”

The comments, lacking any concrete evidence, underline how narratives around Verstappen’s supposed control over Red Bull’s driver decisions persist, even as the reigning champion remains focused on securing his fifth straight world title amid intensifying speculation about the team’s 2025 line-up.

Aston Martin’s partnership with Honda from 2026 is shaping up to be one of Formula 1’s most consequential alliances, with both parties eager to replicate the success Honda achieved with Red Bull.

Ferrari’s former technical leader, Enrico Cardile, now leading Aston Martin’s chassis development, revealed that Honda’s “commitment and aggressive approach” have already exceeded expectations.

Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, he explained that the Japanese manufacturer’s exclusive deal with Aston Martin allows it to fully tailor development around the team’s needs, without having to balance competing demands from multiple customers.

Cardile highlighted that focusing on a single team enables Honda to “push more for development,” giving Aston Martin a unique edge as they prepare for F1’s next regulatory era.

While his attention remains largely fixed on the chassis, Cardile said he’s been impressed by Honda’s openness and collaboration with Aston Martin’s design department, led by Senior Technical Partner, Adrian Newey.

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