Verstappen told to accept staggering Aston Martin 'billion' offer

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has told Max Verstappen to accept an offer of "a billion" to join Aston Martin, should recent reports be accurate. 

It was reported by the Daily Mail last month that Aston Martin were plotting a £1 billion investment plan to sign the four-time world champion, although the team "categorically" denied the claims.

If the report turns out to be true, it would be the most expensive move in the history of Formula 1 and one of the biggest in sporting history altogether. 

Regardless of the price, a move to Aston Martin for Verstappen would see him reunite with both Honda and Adrian Newey next year.

However, an immediate sacrifice for the Red Bull driver would likely be fighting for titles, at least until Newey has fully settled into the team he will join on March 3. 

The figure behind the reports is extraordinary, with Steiner adamant Verstappen should accept a move of that value even if it meant being at the back of the grid. 

"A billion is a big number," Steiner told GPblog. "Even if Max finishes last, he should go for a billion.

"Some of them [teams] cannot afford him, obviously, Aston Martin can afford him. The Billion. 

"It's a little bit putting it high because, that would set the record, which will never be broken again. That's a bit fictional, but I'm sure Aston Martin will pay a good amount of money for it."

What makes a Verstappen move to Aston Martin at least in the short-term unlikely, is Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll being contracted until at least the end of 2026. 

"I don't think Fernando will go, and I don't think they replace Lance," added Steiner. "It's like maybe 2027. But again, there is no guarantee for Max that Aston Martin will be good."