During the 2025 Formula 1 season, there has been a turbulence of emotions, but a new explosive rumor has emerged in the paddock: Aston Martin, under the aegis of tycoon Lawrence Stroll, will soon be conquering Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, at Red Bull! An astronomical offer, measured ambitions, and a bold strategy make this saga one of the two most captivating films of the era. What is happening behind the scenes at Silverstone? Description of a dramatic turn of events that could redefine the future of F1!

An explosive context for Red Bull

Since the summer of 2025, Red Bull has been going through turbulence. Despite Max Verstappen’s undeniable talent, the RB21 has lost the fierce competition from a dominant McLaren and a resurgent Ferrari. In Bahrain, Verstappen finished sixth, well behind leader Lando Norris, and in Jeddah, he will be second place alongside Oscar Piastri. “Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong,” Verstappen said after the Bahrain Grand Prix, provoking palpable frustration.

The problems aren’t limited to the track. Behind the scenes, tensions are mounting. Christian Horner’s case, marked by accusations in 2024, has weakened the team. A beer leak, Adrian Newey’s part for Aston Martin, and as designer of the future Red Bull-Ford engine in 2026, will extend as uncertainties. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has also made public his “concern” about Verstappen’s future, fueled by speculation about a possible departure.

Aston Martin: a devouring ambition

On the other hand, Aston Martin is positioning itself as the leading player of the future. Lawrence Stroll is investing heavily to develop a dominant force. Adrian Newey, the boss of F1’s design lender, scored a victory in March 2025. With Honda as the engine owner since 2026 and the experience of Andy Cowell, former Mercedes engine master, Aston Martin has built a project destined for success. But for Stroll, a key piece is missing: a driver capable of carrying a team to the world title. He is driven by Max Verstappen.

According to   the Gazzetta dello Sport   , Aston Martin has prepared a colossal offer of 264 million euros over the last three years (2026-2028), or it has received 88 million euros temporarily, to conquer Verstappen. This proposal, partly financed by the soberano saudita PIF (Public Investment Fund), surpasses all the contracts in the history of F1. PIF, already a shareholder of Aston Martin Lagonda and owner through Aramco, has also bought a team for Stroll, thus strengthening his sporting ambitions.

A rumor denied… but persistent

Given the media bombshell, Aston Martin is quick to react. Team principal Andy Cowell confirmed his speculation about Jeddah: “We have two exceptional drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, under contract until 2026 and beyond. My goal is to deliver a competitive car.” A statement that seems to be up for debate, but insiders are permanent. As   Lentedesportiva notes   , the public madness is tactical, masking behind-the-scenes negotiations.

Verstappen’s answers are always evasive. In Jeddah, focused on his future, he dodged the question: “I’m focusing on improving the car. Two others will focus on my future.” Managing son Raymond Vermeulen responded with a laconic “So what?” According to rumors, his father, Jos Verstappen, criticized the attempts to destabilize him, referring to McLaren’s Zak Brown. However, a clause in Verstappen’s contract, which was deemed fair in 2028, allows Red Bull to waive his contract in 2025 in the event of a lack of employment.

Why Verstappen might be tempted

The additional elements have become a source of credibility. First, Adrian Newey’s Chegada at Aston Martin. Newey builds the cars Verstappen has used for his four titles, and their collaboration is synonymous with success. In short, the Honda partner, the current Red Bull driver, will ensure a seamless transition for 2026. Ultimately, a financing offer, potentially including a stake in the team, will place Verstappen in a unique position as both a driver and a strategic player.

However, obstacles remain. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were first hired in 2026, and an escalation decision would require a major reorganization. However, Verstappen, who has been with the team for 27 years, has been reluctant to commit to a new team, which would be detrimental to his ambitions. Mercedes, with Toto Wolff as its emblem, remains a confident alternative, especially with George Russell’s contract in 2025.

A risky but visionary bet

For Lawrence Stroll, signing Verstappen will be a master player. The Dutchman, at the top of his game, embodies the future of F1. With Newey, Honda, and the PIF financier, Aston Martin can develop a series of titles from 2026, once they have passed the new regulations. But this gamble carries risks: failure could tarnish the team’s image, and since Red Bull’s internal tensions can be remedied, Deixando Verstappen will be less inclined to leave.

For this period, this runoff is a veritable explosion. Aston Martin’s Verstappen, on the Newey slopes, faces Ferrari’s Hamilton and McLaren’s Norris, promising an epic battle. During the 2025 season, in full swing, one question is burning on everyone’s lips: will Max Verstappen dare to take the plunge? One thing is certain: in F1, how the craziest nights can turn into reality.