Aston Martin has appeared to rule out Max Verstappen moving to its Formula 1 team in 2026 amid a report that it is prepared to table a £226 million offer to sign him.

The speculation regarding Verstappen’s whereabouts in the sport has been in the limelight over the past week since Red Bull endured a harrowing showing in Bahrain.

Verstappen being limited to sixth place on a weekend where he dismissed his title chances led Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko to voice concern about a potential exit.

That has coincided with Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport contending that Aston Martin is sizing up a gargantuan bid to lure Verstappen on a deal until 2028.

The Dutchman has been linked with a switch to the Silverstone-based squad since it was announced the team had snapped up ex-Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey.

However, Aston Martin boss Andy Cowell has dispelled the speculation as he insisted that the side is committed to incumbent duo Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

“We’re incredibly fortunate that we’ve got two experienced drivers signed for the next two years, and that means I can just focus on trying to help improve the business and the art of making a fast race car,” Cowell told media including Motorsport Week.

Aston Martin focused on car performance

With Aston Martin lagging seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, Cowell pledged that his attention is on improving the car’s performance rather than the drivers.

When pressed on whether that meant there was no space for Verstappen, Cowell replied: “I’m saying that my head’s full of improving the company so that we can make a fast race car for Lance and Fernando.”

Red Bull rules out Verstappen departure

Earlier in the week, Verstappen, who is contracted to Red Bull through 2028, denied that he was contemplating a departure when he was probed on Marko’s comment.

Meanwhile, Red Bull boss Christian Horner is adamant that the reigning F1 champion will continue to represent his squad as the series embarks on new rules in 2026.

“I think noise is exactly the right word to describe it,” Horner told Sky F1.

“There’s been a lot of noise outside of the team, inside the team, I think Max again reaffirmed his commitment yesterday.

“We’re focused on making the car go faster, that’s where our focus is, and Max is part of that.

“He’s a committed member of the team and the rest is all speculation and hearsay.”