Max Verstappen could become the most expensive F1 signing ever if Aston Martin gets its way.
The British team is ready to splash out an incredible £1 billion to lure the three-time world champion away from Red Bull Racing. That’s enough money to buy several F1 teams outright.
But Red Bull boss Christian Horner isn’t buying it.
“I know you guys have all got columns to fill over the winter period,” Horner said with a smile. “But for a billion dollars? It would be an eye-wateringly large amount of money.”
Verstappen has been with Red Bull since he was a teenager, working his way up through their junior program before becoming the youngest F1 driver ever at just 17.
“Max is very happy in the environment that he’s in,” Horner explained. “He’s grown up in the team. He has a great relationship with the engineers, technicians and everybody he works with.”
The real question isn’t about money – it’s about winning. Verstappen has dominated F1 recently, breaking records left and right in his Red Bull car.
For him to even consider leaving, Aston Martin would need to prove they can build a championship-winning car.
“It’s down to us to provide a competitive car,” Horner said. “We need to continue giving him the platform to achieve the results that he has over the last almost ten years.”
When asked about competing with such a massive financial offer, Horner seemed unfazed.
“I can’t comment on other teams’ finances,” he said, “but Red Bull are relatively well-positioned compared to others in the pit lane.”
The ball is now in Aston Martin’s court. They’ll need more than just a giant check to convince F1’s biggest star to jump ship.
