Formula 1 is no stranger to wild transfer rumors, but the latest $1 billion offer allegedly tabled by Aston Martin for Max Verstappen has sent shockwaves through the paddock.
And according to former Haas boss Guenther Steiner, Verstappen should take the money—no matter what.
“A billion is a big number. Even if Max finishes last, he should go for a billion.”
It’s a bold statement, but is Steiner right? Would Verstappen be crazy to turn down a payday of this magnitude, or is the three-time world champion’s legacy at Red Bull worth more than a historic contract?
Aston Martin’s Audacious Bid: Realistic or Pure Fiction?
The 2024 season exposed Red Bull’s vulnerabilities, leading to speculation that teams with deep pockets could tempt Verstappen away from Milton Keynes.
With Aston Martin rumored to be offering more than $1 billion to bring the Dutch superstar to Silverstone, Steiner believes the team’s financial muscle could outbid nearly every other team on the grid.
“Some of them (teams) cannot afford him, obviously. Aston Martin can afford him. The billion? That’s putting it a bit high because that would set the record, which will never be broken again. That’s a bit fictional, but I’m sure Aston Martin will pay a good amount of money for it.”
But while Aston Martin’s financial backing is undeniable, would Verstappen ever consider switching to a team that isn’t winning races?
The Stroll Factor: Would Verstappen Replace Lance?
One major roadblock in any potential Verstappen-to-Aston-Martin deal is Lance Stroll—who has occupied a seat in his father’s team since 2019.
Despite Stroll’s inconsistent performances, Steiner doesn’t see Lawrence Stroll making any drastic changes—even for Verstappen.
“No, Lawrence is for sure not stupid. You can call him everything else but stupid. But blood is thicker than water.”
Would Aston Martin really pair Verstappen with Stroll, or would they finally part ways with the team owner’s son to give Max a championship-caliber teammate?
Why Verstappen Won’t Leave Red Bull—At Least Not Yet
Despite Red Bull’s relative struggles in 2024, Verstappen remains deeply loyal to the team.
His dominance at Red Bull isn’t just about money—it’s about legacy. He’s built his entire F1 career with the team, and as long as he believes in Red Bull’s future, walking away for a huge paycheck alone simply doesn’t align with his personality.
The reality? Verstappen’s focus remains on winning, not cashing out.
However, if Red Bull’s form continues to decline and Aston Martin shows real championship potential, could the Dutchman be tempted by a record-smashing deal in the future?
Will Aston Martin Ever Be a Serious Player for Verstappen?
Right now, this deal feels like a fantasy.
Aston Martin has the money, but do they have the car and the infrastructure to justify a Verstappen-level signing? Until they prove they can win championships, money alone won’t be enough to lure Verstappen away from Red Bull.
But one thing is certain—if Aston Martin ever becomes a genuine title contender, $1 billion may not seem so fictional after all.
