Aston Martin are reportedly 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.
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.
The spokesman emphasised that both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso remain contracted through 2026.
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.
The proposed package from Aston Martin could include both a record-breaking salary and team equity, reflecting the unprecedented scale of their ambition.
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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.
The report says that F1 insiders indicate Newey harbours concerns about the team’s current driver lineup.
“Adrian is believed to think that Lance Stroll is not a good enough driver. And that Fernando Alonso, being 43, is too old,” revealed an insider.
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The source added: “Adrian is determined to make a success of himself yet again and wants to work with the best.”
Verstappen has recently expressed his desire to finish his career at Red Bull, where he is contracted until 2028.
However, Aston Martin have maintained casual contact with the Verstappen camp, primarily regarding their endurance racing programme.
Max Verstappen has won the past four F1 titles as the 2025 season creeps closer
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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.
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.”
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