Max Verstappen could sign the most lucrative contract in Formula 1 history as reports indicate Aston Martin have tabled a €264 million offer to secure his services for three seasons starting in 2026.
The move, backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, would mark a dramatic shift in the sport’s power dynamics and end Verstappen’s tenure at Red Bull, as first reported by Gazzetta Motori.
Aston Martin, reportedly supported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, have proposed a three-year deal worth €264 million to lure Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing. If finalised, the contract would run from 2026 to 2028 and surpass all previous F1 salary benchmarks.
The offer forms part of a wider takeover bid, with PIF aiming to acquire full control of the team from current owner Lawrence Stroll, who is said to be open to selling his stake. The fund already owns a 20% share in Aston Martin Lagonda and sponsors the team via Saudi oil giant Aramco.
Verstappen’s current contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but includes exit clauses that could allow him to depart earlier. His future with the team has been uncertain following internal tensions, technical staff departures, and dissatisfaction with car performance, despite clinching his fourth world title.
PIF’s growing influence in global sport is well documented, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jon Rahm among recent high-profile signings in football and golf respectively. Their ambition in Formula 1 now appears to include transforming Aston Martin into a title-contending outfit.
Verstappen would reportedly double his current salary, rising from €50 million to €88 million annually. He would also reunite with technical director Adrian Newey, who joined Aston Martin last year after leaving Red Bull.
Further strengthening the team’s prospects, Aston Martin has signed a power unit supply deal with Honda for 2026, aligning with the new technical regulations.
The investment builds on earlier efforts by Stroll, including construction of a state-of-the-art facility at Silverstone, complete with a new wind tunnel, advanced simulator, and expanded testing capabilities.
Verstappen, when asked about his future during the recent race weekend in Jeddah, downplayed the speculation. “A lot of people are talking about my future, except me,” he told reporters. “Right now, I’m focused on improving the car and not thinking about leaving Red Bull.”
Despite that statement, reports suggest Mercedes were initially in talks with Verstappen, but negotiations fell through over financial terms.
McLaren and Ferrari were also ruled out due to existing driver contracts, although McLaren’s Zak Brown reportedly inquired before withdrawing due to cost. Ferrari, having secured Lewis Hamilton, are no longer in contention.
Should Verstappen accept Aston Martin’s proposal, he would have the option to retire at 30 or continue into a new phase of his career. With Saudi backing and a clear vision for competitiveness in 2026, the deal may represent both a financial and sporting opportunity too great to ignore.
