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Jacques Villeneuve warns Verstappen: “Aston Martin move could derail his legacy despite $1.2 billion deal rumors”

Harry Bright by Harry Bright
January 18, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Jacques Villeneuve warns Verstappen: “Aston Martin move could derail his legacy despite $1.2 billion deal rumors”

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 27: Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Second placed qualifier Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team talk in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 27, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202305270449 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen, fresh off his fourth consecutive Formula 1 championship in 2024, has found himself at the center of swirling rumors linking him to a jaw-dropping $1.2 billion offer from Aston Martin. While the potential deal would shatter records and redefine F1 contracts, former world champion Jacques Villeneuve has cautioned Verstappen against making a move that could jeopardize his winning legacy.

A billion-dollar temptation

Reports suggest Aston Martin, under Lawrence Stroll’s ambitious leadership, is prepared to offer Verstappen a deal worth over $1.2 billion. The staggering package is rumored to include an annual salary of up to $200 million—a figure unprecedented in motorsport. The Dutchman’s meteoric rise and dominance have made him the sport’s hottest commodity, but Villeneuve questions whether the Silverstone-based team can deliver on-track results worthy of such an investment.

Villeneuve: “Winning matters more than money”

Speaking on the potential move, Villeneuve emphasized the importance of Verstappen maintaining his winning trajectory:
“Lawrence Stroll would need someone mentally strong and hardheaded to replace Fernando Alonso. Max Verstappen would be more like, ‘What’s my next step?’ You win with Ferrari, you win with Mercedes—not with Aston Martin.”

Villeneuve likened Verstappen’s situation to that of Lewis Hamilton, arguing that a driver of Verstappen’s caliber thrives on the opportunity to win with historically dominant teams.
“Like Lewis Hamilton, he wants to win. Aston Martin isn’t at that level yet, and Max needs to think carefully about what’s next for his legacy,” Villeneuve added.

Verstappen’s muted response to the rumors

While neither confirming nor denying the reports, Verstappen’s management team responded with a simple:
“That’s nice.”

The reigning champion has shown a strong sense of loyalty to Red Bull, where he has solidified himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Despite Red Bull’s recent performance struggles, Verstappen remains committed to securing race wins and further extending his dominance in Formula 1.

Can Aston Martin deliver on its promises?

The rumored offer is part of Aston Martin’s aggressive bid to elevate its standing in F1 ahead of the 2026 regulation changes. With Fernando Alonso likely nearing retirement, Stroll is eager to secure a marquee driver to lead the team’s charge. However, Villeneuve and other skeptics question whether Aston Martin can provide Verstappen with a car capable of competing with Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull.

Aston Martin’s 2024 campaign highlighted their struggle to maintain development consistency, finishing well behind the top teams in the Constructors’ Championship. Despite significant investments in facilities and a works partnership with Honda starting in 2026, the team remains a long way from being a consistent race-winning operation.

Legacy over dollars

As Verstappen continues to rack up accolades at Red Bull, the Dutchman’s focus appears firmly on performance rather than paychecks. With his current contract tying him to Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen has little reason to rush into a move—no matter how lucrative.

For now, Verstappen is keeping his head down and his foot firmly on the accelerator, determined to continue his dominance at the pinnacle of motorsport.

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