Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, continues to be at the center of intense speculation regarding his future in the sport. Despite having a solid contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, rumors suggest that Aston Martin is willing to make an unprecedented move to secure his signing. Reports indicate that the deal could exceed £1 billion, including salary, bonuses, and exclusive benefits for the Dutch driver. The possible team switch has been widely discussed behind the scenes, considering technical, structural, and historical aspects of the sport.
Aston Martin has made clear its ambition to become a top team in Formula 1, and signing Verstappen would be a crucial step in that strategy. The British team has already made significant progress by announcing a partnership with Honda for engine supply from 2026, in addition to the recent acquisition of renowned engineer Adrian Newey, who was responsible for Red Bull’s championship-winning projects. With these changes, the team led by Lawrence Stroll positions itself as one of the top contenders to break Red Bull and Mercedes’ dominance on the grid.
Speculation gained momentum after statements from journalist Mark Hughes, a Formula 1 specialist, who claimed that negotiations between Verstappen and Aston Martin are already underway. Although Red Bull and Verstappen himself deny any possibility of an imminent departure, some internal factors may be contributing to the Dutchman’s interest in switching teams. The tense relationship between Jos Verstappen, the driver’s father, and Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner, combined with structural changes within the team, could be decisive elements for a potential departure.
F1: Aston Martin elogia desempenho “fantástico” de Verstappen em 2024#F1noMotorsporthttps://t.co/0JIsHqngGO
— Motorsport.com Brasil (@Motorsport_br) January 29, 2025
The Impact of Verstappen’s Departure on Red Bull and Formula 1
If the transfer materializes, it would have a significant impact on Red Bull. Verstappen has been the team’s main pillar in recent years, winning four world titles and helping Red Bull dominate the category. His departure would present a huge challenge, as Red Bull would have to find a suitable replacement to maintain its competitiveness. Among the names rumored as potential successors are Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, both considered viable candidates.
Additionally, the departure of Adrian Newey and the arrival of a new engine supplier for Red Bull in 2026 add an element of uncertainty. Honda, which currently supplies Red Bull’s engines, has already confirmed its partnership with Aston Martin in the future, which could be a decisive factor in Verstappen’s decision. The driver and the Japanese manufacturer have built a strong and successful relationship, making the move even more plausible.
Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations and Verstappen’s Contract Clauses
Although Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, reports suggest that it contained clauses allowing him to leave earlier under specific circumstances. One of these clauses was directly linked to the presence of Helmut Marko, one of the team’s most influential advisors. Recently, rumors have surfaced that this clause was modified or even removed, which could pave the way for a possible negotiation with another team.
Aston Martin, on the other hand, is investing heavily in building an infrastructure capable of competing for the title. The team has a state-of-the-art new factory in Silverstone and has been actively recruiting top professionals in the field. Signing Verstappen would solidify this strategy and give the British team an experienced and proven driver to fight for the world championship.
Factors That Make Aston Martin an Attractive Destination for Verstappen
- Partnership with Honda – Verstappen’s strong relationship with the Japanese manufacturer could be a key factor in his decision.
- Hiring of Adrian Newey – The engineer who helped Red Bull dominate Formula 1 could play a crucial role in attracting Verstappen.
- Heavy investment in the team – Aston Martin has strengthened its infrastructure and invested in new technologies and renowned professionals.
- Lawrence Stroll’s ambition – The team owner wants to establish Aston Martin as one of the leading forces in the sport.
- Opportunity to become Aston Martin’s first champion – Verstappen could make history by winning the team’s first modern-era F1 title.
History of Major Transfers in Formula 1
Throughout history, Formula 1 has witnessed high-profile transfers. Some of the most remarkable ones include:
- Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes (2013) – Left McLaren to become the most successful champion of the modern era with Mercedes.
- Michael Schumacher to Ferrari (1996) – Left Benetton to help Ferrari dominate F1 in the 2000s.
- Fernando Alonso to McLaren (2007) – A controversial move that led to internal conflicts within the British team.
- Sebastian Vettel to Ferrari (2015) – Left Red Bull after four titles to try to bring Ferrari back to the top.
If Verstappen decides to move to Aston Martin, it could become one of the most impactful transfers in the sport’s history, both in terms of financial value and competitive implications.
Rivalry and Pressure on the Grid for the Coming Years
Formula 1 is entering a period of significant transformations, with new technical regulations set for 2026. The introduction of new engine suppliers, such as Audi and Honda, internal restructuring within teams, and an increased budget cap are making the competition even fiercer. If Verstappen chooses to switch teams, it could reshape the balance of power on the grid and further intensify the rivalry among top teams.
The next seasons promise to be thrilling, and driver movements could play a crucial role in shaping the grid. While Mercedes aims to regain its competitiveness, Ferrari seeks to establish a winning project, and Aston Martin positions itself as an emerging force, any decision made by Verstappen could have long-term implications for the sport.
The Anticipation for the Final Decision
Despite official denials, Formula 1’s backstage remains highly active. Aston Martin, with its new structure and ambition, could represent an intriguing challenge for Verstappen, who has already won multiple titles with Red Bull and may be looking for a new adventure. However, Red Bull remains one of the strongest teams on the grid, and any decision by the Dutchman will be made considering not only financial aspects but also the team’s competitiveness and his chances of continuing to win championships.
What is clear so far is that negotiations may be ongoing, and Formula 1 could be on the verge of witnessing one of the biggest moves in its history. The outcome of this saga will depend on the next steps taken by Verstappen, Red Bull, and Aston Martin, who remain the key players in this behind-the-scenes battle in the sport.

Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, continues to be at the center of intense speculation regarding his future in the sport. Despite having a solid contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, rumors suggest that Aston Martin is willing to make an unprecedented move to secure his signing. Reports indicate that the deal could exceed £1 billion, including salary, bonuses, and exclusive benefits for the Dutch driver. The possible team switch has been widely discussed behind the scenes, considering technical, structural, and historical aspects of the sport.
Aston Martin has made clear its ambition to become a top team in Formula 1, and signing Verstappen would be a crucial step in that strategy. The British team has already made significant progress by announcing a partnership with Honda for engine supply from 2026, in addition to the recent acquisition of renowned engineer Adrian Newey, who was responsible for Red Bull’s championship-winning projects. With these changes, the team led by Lawrence Stroll positions itself as one of the top contenders to break Red Bull and Mercedes’ dominance on the grid.
Speculation gained momentum after statements from journalist Mark Hughes, a Formula 1 specialist, who claimed that negotiations between Verstappen and Aston Martin are already underway. Although Red Bull and Verstappen himself deny any possibility of an imminent departure, some internal factors may be contributing to the Dutchman’s interest in switching teams. The tense relationship between Jos Verstappen, the driver’s father, and Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner, combined with structural changes within the team, could be decisive elements for a potential departure.
F1: Aston Martin elogia desempenho “fantástico” de Verstappen em 2024#F1noMotorsporthttps://t.co/0JIsHqngGO
— Motorsport.com Brasil (@Motorsport_br) January 29, 2025
The Impact of Verstappen’s Departure on Red Bull and Formula 1
If the transfer materializes, it would have a significant impact on Red Bull. Verstappen has been the team’s main pillar in recent years, winning four world titles and helping Red Bull dominate the category. His departure would present a huge challenge, as Red Bull would have to find a suitable replacement to maintain its competitiveness. Among the names rumored as potential successors are Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, both considered viable candidates.
Additionally, the departure of Adrian Newey and the arrival of a new engine supplier for Red Bull in 2026 add an element of uncertainty. Honda, which currently supplies Red Bull’s engines, has already confirmed its partnership with Aston Martin in the future, which could be a decisive factor in Verstappen’s decision. The driver and the Japanese manufacturer have built a strong and successful relationship, making the move even more plausible.
Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations and Verstappen’s Contract Clauses
Although Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, reports suggest that it contained clauses allowing him to leave earlier under specific circumstances. One of these clauses was directly linked to the presence of Helmut Marko, one of the team’s most influential advisors. Recently, rumors have surfaced that this clause was modified or even removed, which could pave the way for a possible negotiation with another team.
Aston Martin, on the other hand, is investing heavily in building an infrastructure capable of competing for the title. The team has a state-of-the-art new factory in Silverstone and has been actively recruiting top professionals in the field. Signing Verstappen would solidify this strategy and give the British team an experienced and proven driver to fight for the world championship.
Factors That Make Aston Martin an Attractive Destination for Verstappen
- Partnership with Honda – Verstappen’s strong relationship with the Japanese manufacturer could be a key factor in his decision.
- Hiring of Adrian Newey – The engineer who helped Red Bull dominate Formula 1 could play a crucial role in attracting Verstappen.
- Heavy investment in the team – Aston Martin has strengthened its infrastructure and invested in new technologies and renowned professionals.
- Lawrence Stroll’s ambition – The team owner wants to establish Aston Martin as one of the leading forces in the sport.
- Opportunity to become Aston Martin’s first champion – Verstappen could make history by winning the team’s first modern-era F1 title.
History of Major Transfers in Formula 1
Throughout history, Formula 1 has witnessed high-profile transfers. Some of the most remarkable ones include:
- Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes (2013) – Left McLaren to become the most successful champion of the modern era with Mercedes.
- Michael Schumacher to Ferrari (1996) – Left Benetton to help Ferrari dominate F1 in the 2000s.
- Fernando Alonso to McLaren (2007) – A controversial move that led to internal conflicts within the British team.
- Sebastian Vettel to Ferrari (2015) – Left Red Bull after four titles to try to bring Ferrari back to the top.
If Verstappen decides to move to Aston Martin, it could become one of the most impactful transfers in the sport’s history, both in terms of financial value and competitive implications.
Rivalry and Pressure on the Grid for the Coming Years
Formula 1 is entering a period of significant transformations, with new technical regulations set for 2026. The introduction of new engine suppliers, such as Audi and Honda, internal restructuring within teams, and an increased budget cap are making the competition even fiercer. If Verstappen chooses to switch teams, it could reshape the balance of power on the grid and further intensify the rivalry among top teams.
The next seasons promise to be thrilling, and driver movements could play a crucial role in shaping the grid. While Mercedes aims to regain its competitiveness, Ferrari seeks to establish a winning project, and Aston Martin positions itself as an emerging force, any decision made by Verstappen could have long-term implications for the sport.
The Anticipation for the Final Decision
Despite official denials, Formula 1’s backstage remains highly active. Aston Martin, with its new structure and ambition, could represent an intriguing challenge for Verstappen, who has already won multiple titles with Red Bull and may be looking for a new adventure. However, Red Bull remains one of the strongest teams on the grid, and any decision by the Dutchman will be made considering not only financial aspects but also the team’s competitiveness and his chances of continuing to win championships.
What is clear so far is that negotiations may be ongoing, and Formula 1 could be on the verge of witnessing one of the biggest moves in its history. The outcome of this saga will depend on the next steps taken by Verstappen, Red Bull, and Aston Martin, who remain the key players in this behind-the-scenes battle in the sport.
