Max Verstappen's management has finally smiled at reports suggesting Aston Martin F1 would be willing to invest a staggering $1 billion to lure four-time world champion Red Bull.
According to the latest rumors, it is Adrian Newey who would put pressure and would have informed Lawrence Stroll that a possible Verstappen – Alonso duo would be the perfect combination for 2026, but the team categorically denied these assertions, even though they were confided off-the-record by their sales director, Jefferson Slack.
Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko, however, acknowledges the very real threat that Verstappen could jump ship after the looming season.
“We have to give him a car that he is capable of winning on his own. It may be one to two tenths of a second slower than the others, but unlike our car last year, it has to be competitive all the way. season and on all tracks If we don't succeed, there is no reason for Max to stay with us.
However, faced with these rumors which point to a huge remuneration consisting of a salary and shares in the Aston Martin F1 team, Verstappen's management responded: “That would be nice, but we haven’t received that offer yet.”
It's just as possible that Verstappen will simply call time on his career after 2025, particularly in light of the FIA's tough new crackdown on “bad behavior” drivers, which could result in six-figure fines, racing suspensions and even points deductions!
Max Verstappen has said he doesn't like being treated like a “schoolboy” or a “toddler” in Formula 1.
“That's something I don't like about Formula 1. When I was 5, my parents didn't insult me, of course, but what do you think I heard at school?
-“But when we Formula 1 drivers are punished as if we were a little child, I wonder what we are doing in this sport?”
The Grand Prix Drivers' Association led by Alex Wurz responded “no comment” when asked about the latest FIA crackdown.
And a spokesperson for the sport's governing body has clarified how the new guidelines will be enforced.
“By issuing these rules (of good conduct), we just want the guarantee that the sanctions will be applied in a uniform and transparent manner.”
“Sporting stewards have the power to decide what sanction to apply for violations of the sporting code. Additionally, all major governing bodies have similar rules to protect the integrity of their sport.”
