Verstappen confirms Aston Martin contact

Max Verstappen has admitted talks with Aston Martin have taken place - but not over a potential F1 drive.

The four-time world champion was linked with a billion-dollar move to the Silverstone-based squad, but this was quickly squashed by Aston Martin, who insisted that race drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were signed on long-term contracts. 

Verstappen's future at Red Bull had been called into question at the start of 2024, when he indicated that his own future would be tied to that of motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, and that if the veteran Austrian left not of his own accord, he too could depart.

The Dutchman's contract expires at the end of the 2028 season, during which he will turn 31. but there is no guarantee he will stay on in F1, and has confirmed that he won't be on the grid into his 40s, like fellow world champions Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.

Asked in public for the first time about the rumour by RacingNews365, Verstappen confirmed Aston Martin talks had taken place, but not for a grand prix seat.

"It is a lot of money," Verstappen responded.

"Honestly, when I read that, it was the first time that I saw something like that, the only contact I had with them was about GT3 for this year.

"There is not much to say really, but it is not me personally driving, but I am starting my own team for this year, so of course some things need to be in place."