The Formula 1 paddock was set abuzz in recent weeks by an astonishing rumor – that reigning world champion Max Verstappen could be poached from Red Bull Racing by Aston Martin in a record-shattering $1 billion deal. The colossal figure, first reported by the Daily Mail, would make Verstappen far and away the highest-paid athlete in history.
But the Dutch superstar was quick to douse the speculation at F1’s season launch event in London. Asked about the blockbuster offer, Verstappen flatly denied any talks had taken place.
Honestly when I read that it was the first time that I saw something like that. The only contact that I had with them was about GT3 for this year. That’s it. There’s not much to say really because there isn’t anything.
Max Verstappen
Red Bull Confident of Keeping Their Star
For their part, Red Bull expressed little concern over the rumor. Team principal Christian Horner chalked it up to media speculation and affirmed his belief that Verstappen, who is under contract through 2028, remains content at Red Bull.
I know you guys [the media] have all got column inches to fill over the winter period, but a billion-dollar driver [deal] — it would be an eye-wateringly large amount of money. But I think Max is very happy in the environment he’s in.
Christian Horner
Horner noted Verstappen’s long history and strong relationships within the Red Bull organization, dating back to his sensational Formula 1 debut as a 17-year-old in 2015. As long as Red Bull continues to provide the Dutchman with title-contending machinery, Horner sees no reason for wandering eyes.
Aston Martin Mum on Mega-Deal
Aston Martin, the ambitious midfield squad aiming to become a championship contender after recruiting top technical talent and investing heavily in infrastructure, was coy when pressed on the Verstappen rumor. New team principal Andy Cowell avoided addressing it head-on.
We’re really lucky — we’ve got Lance [Stroll] and Fernando [Alonso]. Great experience and they’re on long term contracts. The key work for this team is to create a fast race car.
Andy Cowell
Aston’s current lineup of veteran Fernando Alonso and owner Lawrence Stroll’s son Lance are indeed locked in through 2025 and 2027 respectively. But that hasn’t stopped the mill from churning out speculation of a Verstappen coup – fueled in part by the team’s high-profile capture of legendary Red Bull designer Adrian Newey.
Billion-Dollar Contracts the New Norm?
While Verstappen and Red Bull have quashed this particular mega-money move, the $1 billion price tag has sparked debate on whether such astounding athlete contracts could become more common. With Formula 1 surging in global popularity and the value of top talent skyrocketing, might it only be a matter of time before nine-figure deals are the norm for elite drivers?
For now, though, Verstappen seems more than content to pursue a third straight world title in his familiar red overalls. The Formula 1 world awaits to see if he and Red Bull can stave off a renewed challenge from archrivals Mercedes and Ferrari – with Aston Martin aspiring to join that fight sooner rather than later, billion-dollar contract or not.
