F1 Pundit pinpoints Saudi factor in Max Verstappen’s Aston Martin rumors

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert highlighted the influence of the Saudi Arabian government in Aston Martin's Max Verstappen deal rumors.

F1 Pundit pinpoints Saudi factor in Max Verstappen’s Aston Martin rumors

Max Verstappen and Lawrence Stroll (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen is the biggest name in the F1 driver market at the moment. The reigning world champion does have a valid contract with Red Bull till 2028. However, this has not stopped a few teams from expressing their interest in the Dutch driver, who does have an exit clause in his current deal. Aston Martin is believed to be a frontrunner in this race. Now, F1 pundit Johnny Herbert has highlighted the Saudi Arabian influence in this rumored offer.

Since Lawrence Stroll took over the erstwhile Force India F1 team, he has spent millions into the Silverstone-based squad (now known as Aston Martin). The Canadian billionaire has already managed to poach aero genius Adrian Newey from Red Bull, alongside an exclusive Honda supply deal from 2026. Moreover, Aston Martin is sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s state-owned gas giant, Aramco.

Additionally, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is the second-largest stake holder in Aston Martin (including its road car and motorsport divisions). There are even rumors of the PIF wanting to increase its stake in the company.

Johnny Herbert asserted that Saudi Arabia’s involvement could allow Aston Martin to further increase its offer to Max Verstappen. The British team was previously rumored to give a $1.2 billion contract to the Dutch driver. Moreover, having Riyadh’s support would bolster confident in Verstappen as the Saudi government would be more than willing to spend money on anything that could improve the team’s performance.

It’s very interesting if the Saudis get involved with Aston Martin. If you had the money, you would pay all you have to get Max Verstappen on your team.

Johnny Herbert told CoinCasino

The Saudi Arabian government has invested heavily in various sporting ventures over the years, including F1. However, human rights activists have continued to raise concerns over the country’s authoritarian government.

Max Verstappen considering best option for 2026

It is no surprise that Max Verstappen wants to have a race-winning car. The four-time world champion dominated the start of the ground-effect era and has shattered several records. However, Red Bull’s struggles have opened the door for the Dutch driver to reconsider his future at Milton Keynes.

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull content pool)
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull content pool)

Johnny Herbert insisted that Verstappen is already trying to see which would be the best option for next season. Aston Martin isn’t the only team interested in the Red Bull star. Mercedes too, is believed to be ready with open arms for the reigning world champion.

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.

Johnny Herbert stated

There is a lot for Max Verstappen to consider. Both Aston Martin and Mercedes have not shown great progress in the last couple of years as they tried to fix issues with the new regulations. The Silver Arrows have won a handful of races, but are still far behind Red Bull and McLaren. This could raise doubts for Verstappen as there is no concrete sign of improvement at either team.

Although, Mercedes do have the advantage of its experience with power units compared to Red Bull’s brand-new inhouse project for the new rules. While Aston Martin will be racing with Honda next year. When it comes down to simply the new power units, the Silver Arrows might seem like the safest bet. As such, it will likely take some time for Max Verstappen to make a call on his future in Formula 1 after this season.

Related: Racing icon gives alarming Max Verstappen prediction for George Russell at Mercedes