Formula One champion Max Verstappen has reportedly been offered a staggering €264 million (£226m) three-year deal to leave Red Bull for Aston Martin.
The record-breaking offer, allegedly backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), would see the Dutch driver nearly double his current yearly salary.
The proposed contract, covering the 2026-2028 F1 seasons, has been described as the "deal of the century" by Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.
PIF, which already owns 20% of Aston Martin Lagonda and sponsors the F1 team through oil giant Aramco, is reportedly keen to take over ownership of the team.
Max Verstappen has been linked with an exit from Red Bull
ReutersThe lucrative deal would see Verstappen's yearly salary increase from around €50 million to €88 million.
If finalised, it would mark a dramatic shift in Formula 1's power dynamics and reunite Verstappen with legendary car designer Adrian Newey, who joined Aston Martin after leaving Red Bull.
Aston Martin has firmly denied these rumours when approached for comment.
"It's normal for the media to speculate on the driver market, but we have a fantastic driver line-up that we are committed to and who are under contract for 2026 and beyond," the team stated.
"Our focus is on delivering for Lance and Fernando by giving them a more consistent and competitive car. When we do, they are both capable of delivering great results."
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Verstappen himself has attempted to shut down speculation about his future at Red Bull.
"A lot of people are talking about it, except me," he told reporters ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
When directly questioned about a potential move, Verstappen was blunt: "No.
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Max Verstappen cruised to victory at the Japanese Grand PrixReuters"I think [you] just focus on commentating, I'll focus on driving and then you don't need to think about any other scenarios."
The four-time world champion added: "I'm very relaxed."
Despite winning the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this month, Verstappen has been visibly frustrated with Red Bull's performance at the start of the 2025 season.
The RB21 has suffered from poor tyre degradation and improper balance, issues that were highlighted by Verstappen's disappointing P6 finish in Bahrain last Sunday.
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Adrian Newey signed a £30m-a-year deal with Aston MartinPANevertheless, the Dutchman remains only eight points behind early championship leader Lando Norris.
Verstappen's current contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but reports suggest it contains performance-related exit clauses that could allow him to leave the team early, as reported by GB News.
Prior to Aston Martin's reported interest, Mercedes was considered the frontrunner for Verstappen's signature, but negotiations allegedly stalled over financial demands.
