Verstappen dominated last weekend's proceedings at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, after a first corner mistake by championship leader Lando Norris gave the Dutchman the lead of the race.

Asked about the championship battle by a Sky Sports' reporter, the defending world champion was presented with the question: "20 seconds though, you won by today. We are going back to the Red Bull of the past that was dominating. In this car, do you not think it's got enough in these final two tracks, because you've been good at a lot of different tracks now?"

Verstappen answered with a smile: "Yeah, it's all about the car!" The reporter added, "I've said you've been good, I didn't say the car was good, I've said you've been good," to which Verstappen responded with a simple, "yeah."

Verstappen now sits just 24-points behind championship leader Lando Norris, and level on points with Oscar Piastri as the championship reaches the penultimate round of the season.

Fernando Alonso is eager to be rid of the AMR25, a car which has struggled to score any meaningful results this season. Adrian Newey has also been designing the AMR26, which has drawn a lot of attention, as Newey has designed 12 Constructors' championship winning cars.

"They are two celebratory Grands Prix, or I take it that way," he told DAZN after the race. "Qatar with the sprint, which we don't have much time and we can't sleep because we only have one free practice session and we're already going to qualifying, and then Abu Dhabi, which is usually a farewell for everyone and a bit of rest. I take it as two celebratory races, also because we won't be driving this car anymore, so it has to be a celebration for that reason."

Alonso enjoyed a stellar debut 2023 season with Aston Martin, where the Spaniard scored nine podiums and was able to challenge for race victories against the dominant Max Verstappen, in the early part of the season. However, since then, the two-time champion hasn't managed to stand on the podium at all, with Aston Martin slipping into the midfield.

With Andy Cowell likely to be ousted from Aston Martin, at least as Team Principal, after a thoroughly difficult 2025 season. Cowell replaced previous Team Principal Mike Krack for the 2025 season, and now it appears that Aston Martin are looking to change Team Principal again.

There are now two names being associated with the iconic British team. Christian Horner and Andreas Seidl. Horner was dismissed by Red Bull Racing earlier this season, but is currently serving a period of gardening leave, meaning the Brit would only be able to join Aston Martin midway through the 2026 season.

Should Christian Horner be appointed Team Principal of Aston Martin, he will be reunited with Adrian Newey. The pair of them helped create the dynasty of Red Bull, so will Aston Martin try to replicate the success of the Milton Keynes based team?

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