Verstappen Aston Martin contact explained

Max Verstappen has been linked with Aston Martin throughout the Formula 1 winter break, but not just about a move to the Silverstone-based team. 

Early this year, a wild rumour emerged that Aston Martin was preparing a $1 billion deal for the four-time world champion. It was categorically denied by the British outfit. 

The 27-year-old is highly sought after by Red Bull's rivals, given he has won the last four titles and that there is uncertainty over how long he will remain with the team.

As a result, it is not surprising that Aston Martin could be interested in the Dutchman's services, led by team owner Lawrence Stroll. 

The father of Aston Martin driver, Lance, is doing everything to make Aston Martin a winning team, with a new factory and wind tunnel having been built. In addition, the arrival of Honda next year will turn Aston Martin into a works outfit, rather than a customer. 

Of course, the arrival on March 3 of former Red Bull chief technical officer Adrian Newey is another huge signing by Aston Martin's owner. If Verstappen were to ever move to Aston Martin, he would not feel too far from home.

Verstappen kept quiet on Tuesday at F1 75 in London, with the FIA having released a statement condemning boos directed from the crowd towards him and Christian Horner. 

The Red Bull driver did deem the rumoured $1 billion offer as a lot of money, but did also confirm that talks with Aston Martin had taken place. 

However, he assured that it was not just about F1 but also about GT3 cars in particular. 

Verstappen.com Racing

Verstappen does have his own team, Verstappen.com Racing. The team recently was represented in DTM by Thierry Vermeulen, driving a Ferrari. 

The reigning world champion is eager to expand his racing team's programme and has reportedly knocked on Aston Martin's door to strike a deal around GT3 cars. 

He has already been spotted testing an Aston Martin GT3 car at Circuit Paul Ricard in recent days, the former home of the French Grand Prix. 

According to various reports, Verstappen would like his team to compete in the GT World Challenge Europe series. 

That season starts the weekend of April 13 with the 6 Hours of Paul Ricard. Furthermore, a GT3 car of this pedigree could be a prelude to a potential 24 Hours of Le Mans entry. 

Verstappen is known to be keen on a future Le Mans appearance following his F1 career. 

Currently, an F1 seat at Aston Martin is not on the cards. Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, and he has insisted that he will remain loyal to the team.

However, you can never say never in F1, with the upcoming arrivals of Honda and Newey at Aston Martin being something to monitor, especially if Red Bull struggle as an OEM next year.