That of Max Verstappen, the dominant force in Formula 1, who turns loyalty to Aston Martin into 2026, refuses to fade.
While some may dismiss it as fanciful speculation, credible voices within the paddock suggest there’s more to this than meets the eye.
Such voice is that of journalist Mark Hughes, who, speaking about Podcast F1 career, has increased weight in history.
The rumors first caught fire after a Daily Mail report claimed that Aston Martin had launched a staggering $1.2 billion bid to lure Verstappen away from Red Bull.
Although this value would possibly seem scandalous, Mark Hughes does not reject the center of history.
“I am not sure of the price, it looks like one of those invented newspaper titles where they are and how much it deserves to be and then this is what it is,” he said.
However, he made it clear that the rumor itself carries weight.
“The Max Verstappen in Aston, I think, is very genuine and if what we hear about the vine is true, those negotiations are in progress.
“Then, even before starting to listen to those rumors, the internal paddock and not only other people who speculate them from the outside, this perfectly logical. “
Hughes provided insight into why such a blockbuster move makes sense for both parties.
Verstappen has been in Red Bull for a decade, consolidating one of the maximum dominant engines in the history of F1.
But with a new regulatory era beginning in 2026 and Adrian Newey—the architect of many Red Bull championship cars—reportedly joining Aston Martin, Verstappen could see this as an ideal time for a fresh challenge.
“Max has been in Red Bull for a decade, it is a new formula, a new motor partner, Adrian Newey is gone,” Hughes added.
“Max has won several global titles and said that only the first issues for him and others have been a great indulgence.
“Therefore, it is obviously in a position for a new challenge just when Lawrence Stroll has accumulated this diversity of talents and comforts and took Honda with whom Verstappen and Alin a position has a correct appointment with them.
“It’s the next apparent step for either side, so I would say yes, it would put a lot of weight on the rumors. “
Adding an additional intrigue, Aston Martin’s athletics officer, Mike Krack, recently bathed Verstappen with praise, for his winning crusade of the championship in 2024.
“This year’s [title] probably the most productive we saw of him,” Krack told Racingnews365.
© Astonmartin
Krack highlighted Verstappen’s dominance in a car that, in his opinion, was not the most powerful on the grid.
Its functionality in the Brazilian Grand Prix stood out as a decisive moment.
“Brazil is a masterpiece,” Krack said. “Essentially there is not much step, even in the wet, but he simply crossed the box and left them all.
“It’s great to see that a much higher point of driving in Formula 1, but anything else with the Champions League, and Verstappen has that. “
Such glowing remarks from a key figure at Aston Martin have only added fuel to the fire.
Aston Martin, led by billionaire Lawrence Stroll, has made no secret of its ambitions to become a championship-winning team.
In recent years, the Silverstone-based team has aggressively expanded, construction a factory, securing Honda as an engine provider for 2026 and signing most sensible skillability like Enrico Cardin and Adrian Newey.
Verstappen would be the crown jewel in this conscientiously assembled empire, providing only the excellence of behavior, but also the star force to make Aston Martin a global force of F1.
Although Aston Martin’s vision and resources are undeniable, attracting Verstappen through Red Bull will be easy.
The Dutchman will be with the Milton Keynes team until the end of 2028, and Red Bull remains one of the most dominant forces in sport.
Red Bull leader, Oliver Mintzlaff, with Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko.
In addition, Mercedes, who courted Verstappen last season, will likely register a company offering at some point.
But if Aston Martin’s package next year is up to expectations and Verstappen feels that he is in a position for a new chapter, a movement can be in the cards after 2026.
It would possibly be a better transience for Verstappen and Aston Martin. For the time being, enthusiasts will have to wait and see if this rumour becomes one of the overwhelming maximum transfers in F1 history.
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