Aston Martin looks set to make a record £1 billion deal to lure Max Verstappen away from Red Bull, marking a dramatic turnaround in Formula One’s financial situation.
Many industry insiders suggest that Jefferson Slack, Aston Martin’s Managing Director (Commercial and Marketing), has been tipping prospective sponsors that the four-time world champion will join the Silverstone outfit.
Officially, Aston Martin rejects any idea that Verstappen’s impending arrival has resulted in official offers, however speculation reveals the wishes of owner Lawrence Stroll. The Canadian billionaire has already lured Adrian Newey—regarded as the greatest car designer in F1 history—with a reported £20 million-a-year contract with additional cash incentives.
Despite Verstappen’s existing deal with Red Bull until 2028 and his repeated statements about staying at the Milton Keynes team, his unparalleled success gives him the power to name his price. On a current salary of around £50 million a year, sources suggest an offer closer to £200 million a year—and possible equity in Aston Martin—may be needed to speed up a move, similar to the arrangement that informed Newey of Red Bull.
Stroll’s campaign to challenge Red Bull and Mercedes at the Formula One summit underscores these aggressive tactics. Insiders say Newey, in particular, is unsure whether Lance Stroll (son of the owner) or 44-year-old Fernando Alonso is the long-term solution to winning the title. So defending Verstappen will represent a revolutionary step towards championship glory.
For Verstappen’s part, any decision will depend on the future performance of Red Bull and Ford’s partnership under the changing regulations, as well as the growing potential of Aston Martin’s project. Although the talk so far has been limited to “just communication” about endurance racing, the possibility of a formal offer also highlights the economic growth of the sport.
If the Dutch star were to leave Red Bull and reunite with Newey at Aston Martin, the setback would be a historic one—one that could shake Red Bull’s grip on the grid and propel Aston Martin forward in the championship race.
