Aston Martin chief Stroll may have ‘get out’ clause to sign Max Verstappen from Red Bull

Aston Martin are reportedly ready to offer Max Verstappen a three-year deal worth £225million to quit Red Bull

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing Honda celebrates during the qualifying of the Saudi Arabia GP, the 5th round of the Formula 1

undefined (Image: Andrea Diodato/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Aston Martin’s audacious bid to snatch Max Verstappen from the clutches of Red Bull has been backed by Johnny Herbert, who believes the British team’s aggressive pursuit is justified. With ambitions of becoming a Formula 1 powerhouse, Aston Martin, under the financial muscle of billionaire Lawrence Stroll and Saudi oil giants Aramco, are reportedly ready to table a staggering £75million-a-year offer to lure Verstappen into a three-year contract.

Despite Red Bull’s Christian Horner expressing confidence that his leading man will remain with the team until at least 2026, the arrival of F1 design guru Adrian Newey at Aston Martin has fuelled speculation about a potential shake-up.

Johnny Herbert, speaking to Coin Casino, highlighted the significance of the Saudis’ involvement with Aston Martin: “It’s very interesting if the Saudis get involved with Aston Martin,” he said. “If you had the money, you would pay all you have to get Max Verstappen on your team.”

Herbert praised Verstappen’s current form, saying, “He’s still, by far, the best driver on the grid at the moment. He’s still out-qualifying the McLaren, which is just a little faster.”

Looking ahead, Herbert speculated on Aston Martin’s prospects: “If Aston Martin gets their development right for next year, you could see them become the next team to beat. But, they have a big hill to climb. If you have Verstappen and Adrian Newey at the top of their games, then it will be hard to beat them, but that isn’t a guarantee.”

Max Verstappen in the FIA press conference after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – APRIL 20: Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in the Drivers Press Conference during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 20, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

“Verstappen will be thinking where is the best place for him, and when can he leave. Helmut Marko alluded to a get-out clause, which could come into effect this season, it would be perfect timing for Verstappen.

“I hope he chooses the right team so he can keep battling at the very top for the foreseeable future. We want him and the likes of Oscar Piastri to really fight for the title, which can only be good for the sport.

“Lawrence Stroll is a shrewd businessman, and he’s moving Aston Martin towards being a winning team. If he’s getting closer with Saudi Arabia and has the best driver, we could see that plan come to fruition.”

Aston Martin are focusing on 2026 and beyond, with Newey already working on their car of the future. Signing Verstappen to drive it would be a major statement of intent – and the Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) increasing their stake in the team from one fifth would help them achieve it.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Horner has given the rumours short shrift. He said: “There’s been a lot of noise outside of the team,” he said.

“Max reaffirmed his commitment yesterday. We are focused on making the car go faster. Max is a part of that, he’s a committed member of the team. The rest is all speculation.”