Reports from England suggest that Lawrence Stroll is preparing a £1 billion offer to bring Max Verstappen to Aston Martin
The prospect of Max Verstappen joining Aston Martin has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world. According to the prestigious British sports daily, the Daily Mail, Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll is reportedly ready to make an extraordinary move to bring the Dutch world champion to Silverstone. The rumored offer? A staggering £1 billion – an amount that could prove irresistible for both Verstappen and Red Bull.
The British newspaper claims that Aston Martin’s management has been planning this bold move as part of their ambitious 2026 project. The aim? To field a driver pairing capable of securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. Aston Martin’s focus on the 2026 season has been clear since the start of 2024, with Lawrence Stroll, Team Principal Mike Krack, and even Fernando Alonso emphasizing that their efforts are aligned with the upcoming regulation changes.
In recent months, the team has allocated significant resources to recruiting top-tier engineers and technical staff, including Andy Cowell from Mercedes, Enrico Cardile from Ferrari, and most notably, Adrian Newey from Red Bull. With a revamped technical lineup, Aston Martin’s goal is crystal clear: to dominate in 2026. And a star-studded driver lineup featuring Verstappen alongside Alonso could complete their vision, replacing Lance Stroll in the process.
Verstappen to Aston: Why Not?
Adding weight to the Daily Mail’s claims are recent comments from Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, who has openly criticized Red Bull in recent months, hinting at dissatisfaction within the team. Speaking candidly, Jos said:“Red Bull needs to build a car that isn’t so difficult to drive. If you look at the second half of 2024, there’s little room for optimism. . Could Max leave? Anything is possible. . Può rimanere alla Red Bull se ne vede l’utilità. Il suo obiettivo è vincere le gare, e se ritiene che questo non sia più possibile alla Red Bull, He’ll stay with Red Bull as long as it’s useful to him”.
Known as the “design wizard,” Newey’s move to Aston Martin could be pivotal in swaying Verstappen. Another crucial factor is Honda, which will part ways with Red Bull in 2026 to supply power units to Aston Martin. For Verstappen, this might feel like a reunion with his “motor family” across the English border.
Despite the enticing rumors, it’s worth noting that Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, with one of the most lucrative deals in Formula 1 history. A sudden split would be highly unusual and complex to orchestrate. However, if the reports turn out to be true, the 2026 season could deliver a seismic shift in Formula 1. The prospect may seem improbable now, but if it materializes, this could mark a truly historic chapter in Formula 1. Imagine the tantalizing rivalries: Leclerc-Hamilton at Ferrari, Alonso-Verstappen at Aston Martin, and the equally formidable lineups of McLaren and Mercedes.
Photo: Max Verstappen, Oracle Red Bull Racing