Aston Martin have denied reports that they're eyeing an audacious bid to secure Max Verstappen in a deal that could be worth up to £1billion, marking one of the biggest contracts in sporting history.
A report from the Daily Mail claimed the Silverstone-based team is actively pursuing the four-time world champion as part of their ambitious plans to secure Formula One glory.
The potential deal would likely include equity in the team, alongside a substantial salary package for the 27-year-old Dutch racing star.
Jefferson Slack, a key lieutenant of Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll, has reportedly been pitching to potential investors with claims that Verstappen will join the team.
Aston Martin are making an audacious bid to secure Max Verstappen in a deal that could be worth up to £1billion, marking one of the biggest contracts in sporting history
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A source close to the situation told the Daily Mail: "Jefferson, or Jeff as others know him, has been going around saying that Max is going to be joining Aston Martin."
However, an Aston Martin spokesman has firmly denied that Slack made any approaches based on Verstappen potentially joining the team. In addition to this, an Aston Martin Aramco spokesperson categorically denied the story.
The spokesman emphasised that both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso remain contracted through 2026, with the team happy with their current driver line-up.
Max Verstappen could be tempted to leave Red Bull for a new challenge with Aston Martin given the dizzying salary on offer
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Verstappen currently commands a salary of £50m per year at Red Bull, matching only Lewis Hamilton's earnings in Formula One.
Industry experts suggest it would take around £200m annually to secure Verstappen's services, with the Dutch driver being the only one in the sport who can effectively name his price given his exploits in the grid in recent years.
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Aston Martin have already secured Adrian Newey, widely regarded as Formula One's greatest car designer, on a £20m-per-year contract.
Verstappen has recently expressed his desire to finish his career at Red Bull, where he is contracted until 2028.
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He has won the last four F1 titles to etch his name into the history books, while the Dutch driver is also the favourite to claim glory in 2025 as well.
The Dutchman's future decisions may hinge on the performance of Red Bull's new Ford-backed engine, set to debut under next year's regulations.
Max Verstappen has won the past four F1 titles as the 2025 season creeps closer
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Lawrence Stroll remains determined to challenge Formula One's established order, with a source noting: "He wants to end the dominant era headed by Christian Horner and Toto Wolff."
Aston Martin are, however, confident they've got the right drivers for the job to do exactly that.
