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The billion-dollar question: Could Aston Martin lure Max Verstappen away from Red Bull?

David Castro by David Castro
January 17, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
The billion-dollar question: Could Aston Martin lure Max Verstappen away from Red Bull?

SHANGHAI, CHINA - APRIL 20: Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Third placed qualifier Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team attend the press conference after qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on April 20, 2024 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202404200363 // Usage for editorial use only //

Aston Martin’s meteoric rise in Formula 1 has sparked speculation about a blockbuster bid for reigning champion Max Verstappen, with rumors swirling of a $1 billion offer. But could the Silverstone outfit truly pull off one of the most audacious moves in F1 history?


From whispers to waves: Aston Martin’s rumored Verstappen pursuit

In a storyline straight out of a Hollywood script, Aston Martin is reportedly positioning itself as a future home for Max Verstappen. The Daily Mail recently claimed that Jefferson Slack, Aston Martin’s commercial and marketing chief, has been telling potential sponsors that Verstappen is a long-term target for the team. While the team categorically denies these claims, the mere notion of Verstappen in British racing green has sent shockwaves through the paddock.

According to unnamed sources, Slack’s remarks may have been more aspirational than indicative of a concrete plan.

“Jefferson… has been going around saying Max will be joining Aston Martin,” a source told The Daily Mail. “It may be a ploy, adding extra value to the deal he wants to do, but bringing Max in also makes perfect sense.”

The possibility of Verstappen joining Aston Martin is tantalizing, especially given the team’s acquisition of Adrian Newey, the engineering mastermind behind Red Bull’s dominance. With Newey on board, Aston Martin is sparing no expense in its quest to become a championship-winning team.


The 2027 driver dilemma

As of now, Aston Martin’s driver lineup is secure through 2026, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll under contract. However, the team faces a critical decision heading into 2027. Alonso, despite his exceptional form, will be 45 by the time his contract expires, making him one of the oldest drivers in F1 history.

While Alonso has hinted that 2026 could be his swan song, he has left the door open for a potential extension if the team is competitive.

“I’ll treat 2026 like it’s my last year,” Alonso said in an interview. “But if things go well, I’d be open to racing one more season.”

Regardless, Aston Martin can’t afford to wait until mid-2026 for Alonso’s decision. The team needs to secure a top-tier talent early, and Verstappen represents the ultimate prize.


Verstappen’s Red Bull clause: A ticking time bomb?

Although Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, insiders note that his deal includes performance-related exit clauses. If Red Bull’s self-built engine underperforms in the new 2026 regulations, Verstappen could have an escape route.

Red Bull knows this, with team officials repeatedly emphasizing their commitment to providing Verstappen with the best car on the grid. However, Aston Martin, with its deep pockets and aggressive ambitions, could pose a serious threat if Verstappen becomes available.


Lawrence Stroll’s relentless ambition

Under the leadership of Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin has undergone a remarkable transformation. From acquiring Adrian Newey to overhauling the team’s infrastructure, Stroll’s vision is clear: win championships, and win many of them.

New CEO Andy Cowell echoed Stroll’s ambition in a recent interview:

“Lawrence is a serial winner. If you look at what he’s achieved throughout his career, sooner or later success follows. That’s not by coincidence. He’s relentless in his drive to be the best.”

This unyielding determination raises the question: how far is Stroll willing to go to secure Verstappen? A $1 billion deal might sound outrageous, but in a sport driven by marquee names and performance, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.


A changing landscape for rookies and veterans

Aston Martin’s rumored interest in Verstappen comes as the team navigates the challenges of the post-2026 regulations. With teams increasingly looking to develop younger talent, the pool of potential 2027 drivers is brimming with race-winning stars, including Oscar Piastri, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, and Carlos Sainz.

However, if Aston Martin truly intends to dominate the new era, Verstappen remains the most logical choice. His proven ability to extract every ounce of performance from a car makes him the ultimate asset for a team chasing its first championship.


The road ahead: A billion-dollar gamble?

While Aston Martin has dismissed the current rumors as speculative, the logic behind targeting Verstappen is undeniable. The combination of Adrian Newey’s engineering genius, Lawrence Stroll’s financial muscle, and the team’s rapidly improving infrastructure makes Aston Martin a serious player in the long-term F1 landscape.

Whether or not Verstappen ultimately dons the Aston Martin green, one thing is clear: the team is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for greatness. The billion-dollar question is whether Verstappen sees himself as part of that vision—or if Red Bull will rise to the challenge of keeping him firmly in their camp.

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