Herbert wants Verstappen in a top car: 'Good for the sport'

Herbert believes that Aston Martin will get further involved with the Saudis, and if they do, an intriguing door then may open. " It's very interesting if the Saudis get involved with Aston Martin. If you had the money, you would pay all you have to get Max Verstappen on your team."

"He's still, by far, the best driver on the grid at the moment. He's still out-qualifying the McLaren, which is just a little faster," added Herbert, complimenting the Dutchman's Saturday performances this year.

Herbert, having discarded a sabbatical, driving for Mercedes and staying at Red Bull, decants for Lawrence Stroll's team. "If Aston Martin gets their development right for next year, you could see them become the next team to beat. But, they have a big hill to climb."

"If you have Verstappen and Adrian Newey at the top of their games, then it will be hard to beat them, but that isn’t a guarantee," added the Briton.

According to Herbert, there's no time like the start of the winter of 2025 to switch teams. "Verstappen will be thinking, where is the best place for him, and when can he leave. Helmut Marko alluded to a get-out clause which could come into effect this season, it would be perfect timing for Verstappen."

The Briton then expressed his wish that Verstappen could compete for titles at the top, as it would only be benefitial for the series. "I hope he chooses the right team so he can keep battling at the very top for the foreseeable future. We want him and the likes of Oscar Piastri to really fight for the title, which can only be good for the sport."