Aston Martin deny sensational claims they are targeting Max Verstappen in stunning £1billion deal from Red Bull
ASTON MARTIN have denied they are targeting MAX VERSTAPPEN in a colossal £1BILLION.
The four-time world champion’s future at Red Bull was the subject of strong speculation throughout 2024 due to the team’s internal power struggles, which even saw Verstappen threaten to quit.
Mercedes were one of the main teams linked to the Dutchman following their own bombshell news that Lewis Hamilton was quitting the team for Ferrari for 2025.
But according to Mail Sport, Aston Martin have told potential sponsors Verstappen will join them as part of their ambitious bid to win the F1 world championship.
The reported deal would be worth up to £1bn, making it one of the most lucrative in F1 history.
Sources suggest Jefferson Slack, a close confidant of billionaire team owner, Lawrence Stroll, has made pitches to would-be investors claiming the 27-year-old will join them.
It is reported a figure as high as £200m a year may be needed to prise Verstappen away from Red Bull.
And given his success at Red Bull and the £50million a year deal currently pinning him there until 2028, the claim seems more of a desire than a fact.
An Aston Martin spokesperson categorically denied the story.
The team also have Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll contracted through to 2026.
Speaking about his future, Verstappen said: “Did I have doubts about my future at Red Bull at that stage? Well, the feeling wasn’t quite 100 per cent. There was a lot going on.
“But, on the other hand, I don’t think that if something goes wrong, you can just say: I’m leaving. That’s not how I am.”
Verstappen’s future last season was clouded thanks to an internal Red Bull civil war between his father, Jos, and team advisor Helmut Marko in one camp and team principal Christian Horner in the other.
F1 2025 grid
Here are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:
Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli
McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
Williams: Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz
Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto
Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan
RB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar
Haas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon
Aston Martin has already poached legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey – who left during the power struggle – from Red Bull in a £20m a year deal.
It is the final season before a major regulation change in 2026 that will feature smaller cars, 100 per cent sustainable fuel and a redesigned power unit.
Verstappen will partner Liam Lawson when the new season gets underway at the Australian Grand Prix in March.
He claimed his fourth driver’s title last year but saw his team finish third in the constructors’ championship following a string of poor races by Sergio Perez.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin were the best of the rest as the top four teams; McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes hoovering up the top spots across the season.
Alonso finished ninth in the driver’s championship with 70 points, while Stoll ended in 13th with 24.