Aston Martin Contract War Heats Up: Verstappen’s Future Takes a Stunning Russell‑Styled Twist
Formula 1 is witnessing one of the most intense off‑track battles of recent memory and it’s not just about Max Verstappen anymore. While rumors swirl of Aston Martin’s mega‑offer to lure the Dutch champion from Red Bull, a fresh twist now involves Mercedes’ George Russell, escalating the contract chaos.
The Aston Martin Ambition
Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport recently ignited the fire, claiming Aston Martin buoyed by Saudi PIF money via Aramco is preparing a jaw‑dropping US $470 million three‑year offer to Verstappen for 2026–2028 . Such a sum would elevate Verstappen into rarified territory among the world’s top‑paid athletes.
Yet Aston Martin has swiftly refuted any F1 driver pursuit , while Max himself clarified that his only contact with the team was about a GT3 project not racing contracts .
Christian Horner meanwhile dismissed the rumors as “speculation,” reaffirming Verstappen’s contentment at Red Bull and his commitment through 2028 .
“Russell Twist”
But here’s the plot twist: Mercedes is reportedly positioning itself to challenge both teams for Verstappen’s signature, raising the stakes across the F1 grid — much like Red Bull once did when they faced off against Mercedes for George Russell. Toto Wolff subtly hinted that Mercedes remains open to offering Verstappen a seat in the future . It’s clear, the “contract war” now resembles a multi‑front vault battles
Why Now?
The contract drama doesn’t exist in a vacuum:
Adrian Newey’s Shift: The legendary designer moved from Red Bull to Aston Martin for 2025, prompting speculation Verstappen might follow .
Engine Shake‑Ups in 2026: Aston Martin aligns with Honda, while Red Bull transitions to its own Ford power units major technical shifts may fuel Verstappen’s future calculus .
Contractual Leverage: Verstappen holds a contract until 2028 but reportedly has exit clauses allowing departure as early as 2025 giving him bargaining power .
Verstappen Speaks
Verstappen has emphasized he’s “very happy” at Red Bull and dismissed the rumors as exaggerated headline-hunting . Still, he admitted Newey’s presence at Aston Martin could make them a more “attractive proposition” in future .
What’s Next?
Red Bull is banking on retaining Verstappen with a competitive car and internal stability, particularly as the Marko-Horner turmoil fades .
Aston Martin, with high-profile hires and a massive PIF backer, is clearly constructing a championship-grade project .
Mercedes, with rival George Russell’s rise, isn’t ruling out a Verstappen move down the line .
The Big Picture:
This isn’t just a driver merry-go-round — it’s a geopolitical and technical showdown. Money, power, engine deals, and prestige all converge. And with 2026’s regulation reset looming, teams that position strategically now could dominate the next era of F1.
For Verstappen, it’s a luxury position: stay with Red Bull’s powerhouse, join Aston Martin’s ambitious rebuild, or entertain a future at Mercedes. No matter what he chooses, F1’s landscape will shift and fast.
