Max Verstappen Reportedly Offered Record-Breaking Deal by Aston Martin
Max Verstappen may be on the verge of signing the most lucrative contract in Formula 1 history, as fresh reports suggest Aston Martin has extended a staggering €264 million offer for a three-year stint beginning in 2026.
The proposed move, reportedly backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund (Public Investment Fund, or PIF), could shift the balance of power within F1 and signal the end of Verstappen’s successful run with Red Bull. The initial report came from Gazzetta Motori.
According to sources, Aston Martin—already sponsored by Saudi oil company Aramco and partially owned by PIF—has tabled a three-year deal designed to entice Verstappen to switch teams. If accepted, the contract would span from 2026 to 2028 and eclipse all previous salary records in the sport.
This offer is believed to be part of a broader plan by the PIF to acquire full control of Aston Martin’s F1 team. Current owner Lawrence Stroll is reportedly open to selling his shares, which could pave the way for a complete Saudi takeover of the operation.
Though Verstappen’s current contract with Red Bull runs through 2028, exit clauses may allow him to leave earlier. Recent internal issues at Red Bull—including staff departures, internal disputes, and concerns over car performance—have added to speculation about his future, despite him securing a fourth world championship title.
If the Dutch driver accepts Aston Martin’s offer, his annual earnings would more than double, jumping from €50 million to €88 million. The deal may also reunite him with famed technical director Adrian Newey, who joined Aston Martin after parting ways with Red Bull.
The team’s future also looks promising from a technical standpoint. Aston Martin has secured a new power unit partnership with Honda for the 2026 season, in line with upcoming changes to F1’s engine regulations.
Significant investment has already gone into transforming the team, including the development of a high-tech facility at Silverstone equipped with a new wind tunnel and upgraded simulation tools—part of Stroll’s long-term vision.
Verstappen addressed the rumors during a press conference in Jeddah, saying, “Everyone seems to have an opinion about my future—except me. My focus is on improving the car. I’m not thinking about leaving Red Bull.”
Despite his comments, it’s been reported that Mercedes had initial conversations with Verstappen, though talks reportedly collapsed over salary demands. McLaren and Ferrari are not in the running due to existing driver line-ups, with McLaren stepping back due to financial constraints and Ferrari recently securing Lewis Hamilton.
Should Verstappen accept the offer, he would have the option to retire at 30 or embark on a new chapter in a team poised for a major resurgence—powered by Saudi investment and technical ambition.
