Helmut Marko pinpoints Adrian Newey factor in Max Verstappen’s rumored Aston Martin offer

Helmut Marko believes that Max Verstappen's alleged $1.2 Billion Aston Martin deal with related to Adrian Newey's move to the team.

Helmut Marko pinpoints Adrian Newey factor in Max Verstappen’s rumored Aston Martin offer

Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen and Adrian Newey (via IMAGO)

Red Bull’s mass exodus during the 2024 season led to multiple key figures leaving the team ahead of 2025 Aston Martin poached the aero-genius Adrian Newey and set their eyes on acquiring Max Verstappen at an alleged $1.2 Billion deal. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko suggested that Aston Martin’s sudden interest in Verstappen stemmed from Newey’s move to the team.

Max Verstappen‘s rumored $1.2 Billion deal surprised everyone on the paddock as they believed it to be a great offer. However, Team Principal Christian Horner negated the claims and blamed the media for causing the rumors. Still, Aston Martin’s interest in Verstappen isn’t surprising, given their recent contract with Honda power units from 2026.

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Helmut Marko revealed that Adrian Newey‘s inclination towards working with Verstappen was ‘no secret’. Due to this, Marko believed that it was only logical for Aston Martin to make a deal with the Dutchman following Newey’s move.

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There is no secret that Newey is a big fan of Max. It is then only logical if they would make him an offer.

Helmut Marko said, as reported by GPblog.

Helmut Marko ‘doubts’ the valuation of Max Verstappen’s alleged $1.2 Billion contract

If Max Verstappen decides to accept the alleged offer, it would be the biggest contract provided to any driver in the history of Formula 1. Multiple individuals doubted the actual amount of the contract as $1.2 Billion was too high.

Even Helmut Marko accepted that the valuation was doubtful, especially with Aston Martin’s current share prices. Moreover, Marko questioned if the contract ever existed in the first place despite the incessant rumors.

Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

I have my doubts about whether it is actually that high, especially with Aston Martin’s current share price. People are saying it was a high bid. But we don’t know if the bid really existed.

Helmut Marko noted

It is not up to Red Bull to provide a capable challenger to Max Verstappen amidst his championship ambitions. The reigning world champion is on the trajectory of scoring his fifth consecutive drivers’ title. Verstappen might start exploring his options on the grid if Milton Keynes’ woeful form does not find improvement in the coming season.