F1: Verstappen’s possible $1.7 billion Red Bull to Aston Martin move shakes up Formula 1

Formula 1 is abuzz with speculation over a potential blockbuster transfer that could reshape the sport. Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion and Red Bull Racing (RBR) star, is at the heart of a staggering $1.7 billion (264 million euros) offer from Aston Martin for a three-year contract. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the deal would mark the most lucrative in F1 history. The negotiations coincide with a transformative period for Aston Martin, as Canadian magnate Lawrence Stroll considers selling the team. As the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the fifth race of the season, approaches, the focus intensifies on Verstappen’s future and the seismic shifts occurring off the track.

The astronomical offer underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in Formula 1. The PIF, known for its massive investments in sports like soccer and golf, sees the acquisition of Aston Martin and Verstappen’s signing as a chance to elevate the team’s global profile. Described as the “deal of the century” by industry insiders, the proposal involves not only unprecedented financial terms but also a bold technical vision, with legendary engineer Adrian Newey joining in 2026 and Honda supplying engines under new regulations.

Verstappen, who clinched four consecutive world titles from 2021 to 2024, faces a pivotal moment at RBR. The Austrian team, despite its recent dominance, struggled in 2025, with Verstappen finishing sixth in the Bahrain Grand Prix and slipping to third in the Drivers’ Championship. RBR’s challenges, combined with Verstappen’s ambition at age 27, fuel speculation about his departure when his contract, valid until 2028, allows for an exit via performance clauses.

Saudi Arabia’s growing grip on F1

The PIF’s involvement in Formula 1 is far from new. The fund already sponsors Aston Martin through Saudi Aramco and Ma’aden, the state-owned mining company. Acquiring a controlling stake in the team, with Stroll potentially remaining a minority shareholder, would give Saudi Arabia unprecedented influence over an F1 outfit. While the deal awaits final agreements, it signals a new era for the sport’s financial landscape.

The PIF’s track record in sports is formidable. In soccer, it lured Cristiano Ronaldo to Al Nassr with a $200 million deal for two years. In golf, it signed world number one Jon Rahm for $500 million to join the LIV Golf League. These high-profile moves reflect the fund’s strategy of attracting global superstars, and Verstappen, with his unmatched F1 pedigree, fits the mold. The offer includes a record-breaking salary and assurances of a competitive car, with Aston Martin aiming to challenge for titles by 2026.

Saudi Arabia has hosted the Jeddah Grand Prix since 2021, cementing its place in the F1 calendar. The 6.174-kilometer Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the second-longest track in the series, is renowned for its high-speed straights and demanding corners. The 2025 race, set for April 20, concludes the season’s first triple-header, following Australia, China, Japan, and Bahrain. Verstappen, the race’s most successful driver with two wins, will aim to reclaim his form after a disappointing Bahrain result.

Coming to you from the Jeddah paddock ????????#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/PKUjKeCzbt

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 17, 2025

Why Verstappen is considering a switch

Several factors are driving Verstappen’s potential move. At RBR, technical issues plagued the team in 2025, with poor car balance and sluggish pit stops, including a six-second stop in Bahrain. These setbacks led to a less dominant season, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri overtaking Verstappen in the standings after a commanding win in Bahrain. Piastri now sits second with 74 points, trailing leader Lando Norris (77) by three, while Verstappen has 69.

Internal tensions at RBR further complicate matters. Post-Bahrain discussions between Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, and advisor Helmut Marko revealed frustrations within the team. Marko expressed concerns about RBR’s ability to provide a title-contending car in 2025, while team principal Christian Horner admitted the squad underperformed. These dynamics may be pushing Verstappen toward greener pastures.

Aston Martin’s project is enticing. Despite a pointless Bahrain GP, with Fernando Alonso finishing 15th and Lance Stroll 17th, the team is poised for a major overhaul. Adrian Newey’s arrival in 2026, fresh from designing championship-winning cars at RBR, is a game-changer. Coupled with Honda’s return as an engine supplier, a partnership that powered Verstappen’s titles, Aston Martin’s vision aligns with the Dutchman’s hunger for success.

• Reasons Verstappen is drawn to Aston Martin:
• A $1.7 billion contract over three years, the richest in F1 history.
• Adrian Newey’s leadership in designing the 2026 car.
• Honda’s proven engine technology, familiar from Verstappen’s title years.
• PIF’s massive investment to make Aston Martin a championship contender.

Ripple effects of a potential transfer

Verstappen’s move to Aston Martin would send shockwaves through Formula 1. With 63 career wins and 100 podiums, the Dutchman is the sport’s biggest star. His exit from RBR, where he won all four titles, would weaken the team, already struggling with just 71 points in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship. In Bahrain, RBR managed only a sixth-place finish for Verstappen and ninth for Yuki Tsunoda.

For Aston Martin, signing Verstappen would be a transformative coup. The team, which has yet to win since rejoining F1 in 2021, aims to become a frontrunner. The PIF’s financial backing, combined with Newey’s expertise and Verstappen’s talent, could position Aston Martin as a title contender by 2026, when new engine and aerodynamic rules take effect.

The transfer also raises questions about Aston Martin’s current drivers. Fernando Alonso, whose contract runs until 2026, faces an uncertain future, while Lance Stroll, Lawrence’s son, must prove his worth alongside a potential superstar like Verstappen. Alonso’s experience and Stroll’s ties to the team will be weighed against the PIF’s vision for a championship-caliber lineup.

The 2025 season’s competitive landscape

The 2025 season has already delivered intense battles. McLaren leads the Constructors’ Championship with 151 points, nearly double Mercedes’ 93. RBR sits third with 71, followed by Ferrari with 57. Among drivers, Norris holds a slim lead over Piastri, with Verstappen, George Russell (63 points), and Charles Leclerc (32) rounding out the top five.

The Bahrain Grand Prix, held on April 13, showcased McLaren’s dominance. Piastri secured pole, the fastest lap, and the win—a rare “hat-trick.” Norris, despite a five-second penalty for a starting position error, finished third, securing a double podium. Ferrari showed promise, with Leclerc in fourth and Lewis Hamilton, in his first season with the team, taking fifth. Mercedes’ Russell claimed second, but the team trails McLaren’s pace.

Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Sauber, struggled in Bahrain, finishing 18th and criticizing the car’s lack of grip. The team’s ongoing challenges highlight the gap between midfield and top teams, with Sauber yet to score points in 2025.

What to expect in Jeddah

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with its 27 corners and 250 km/h average speed, is a stern test for drivers and cars. Its long straights and high-speed sections favor teams with strong aerodynamics and engine power, giving McLaren an edge after their Bahrain performance. Verstappen, who won in Jeddah in 2023 and 2024, will push to rebound, but Piastri and Norris are the ones to beat.

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Ferrari, with an upgraded floor introduced in Bahrain, is optimistic. Leclerc, who started second in Sakhir, believes podiums are within reach, while Hamilton feels more comfortable with the car. Mercedes, with Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, aims to close the gap to McLaren, though Antonelli finished outside the points in Bahrain.

• Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 schedule:
• Friday, April 18: Free Practice 1 (10:30 AM) and Free Practice 2 (2:30 PM).
• Saturday, April 19: Free Practice 3 (11:30 AM) and Qualifying (3:00 PM).
• Sunday, April 20: Race (3:00 PM).

PIF’s broader sports strategy

The PIF’s interest in Aston Martin is part of a larger plan to cement Saudi Arabia’s status as a sports powerhouse. The fund’s acquisition of Newcastle United in the Premier League, sponsorship of boxing and MMA events, and creation of LIV Golf illustrate its ambition. In F1, Aramco’s sponsorship and the potential Aston Martin takeover amplify Saudi influence.

These investments have sparked debates about “sportswashing,” where nations use sports to enhance their global image amid criticism of domestic policies. Regardless, the PIF’s financial muscle has reshaped sports markets, attracting top talent and raising competitive standards. In F1, Saudi Arabia’s involvement has modernized the Jeddah race, now a fan favorite for its thrilling layout.

Aston Martin, pointless in Bahrain, stands to benefit immensely from PIF’s backing. The team’s Silverstone headquarters, already state-of-the-art, could expand further, with funds accelerating car development and talent acquisition. Lawrence Stroll’s potential sale, after turning the former Force India into a competitive outfit, signals confidence in the team’s future under Saudi stewardship.

All you need to know for the weekend! ????

Here's the most important facts, stats, strategy tips and more ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix ????#F1 #SaudiArabianGP https://t.co/J12RqrPva6

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 17, 2025

Verstappen’s legacy and F1’s future

Verstappen’s possible move to Aston Martin would rival Lewis Hamilton’s 2013 switch to Mercedes in its impact. Since debuting in 2015 at age 17, Verstappen has amassed victories at iconic tracks like Monaco, Spa, and Silverstone. His ability to perform under pressure makes him a generational talent, and his next move could define F1’s trajectory.

The transfer would also shake up the driver market. With Alonso and Stroll’s futures uncertain at Aston Martin, and RBR needing a replacement, teams like Mercedes and Ferrari are watching closely. Mercedes, banking on Antonelli, passed on Verstappen, while Ferrari focuses on Hamilton and Leclerc.

The 2025 season, with only four races complete, highlights a more balanced grid. McLaren’s early dominance contrasts with RBR’s struggles, but Mercedes and Ferrari remain in contention. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will test Verstappen’s resilience as he fights for a fifth title while weighing a career-defining decision.

Numbers behind the deal

The Aston Martin offer, powered by the PIF, is a testament to F1’s financial evolution. Key figures include:

• Contract value: $1.7 billion (264 million euros) over three years, the largest in F1 history.
• Annual salary: Roughly $88 million, surpassing Hamilton’s $70 million at Mercedes in 2024.
• PIF’s wealth: The fund manages assets worth over $700 billion.
• Aston Martin’s boost: The team, with 10 points in 2025, could triple its budget with Saudi investment.

Stakes in Jeddah

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is more than a race—it’s a stage for Verstappen’s future to unfold. Jeddah’s high-speed layout demands precision, a strength Verstappen showcased in his 2023 and 2024 victories. Yet, McLaren’s form makes Piastri and Norris the favorites. Ferrari, with its upgraded car, eyes a first Jeddah podium, while Mercedes hopes Russell can challenge for the win.

For Aston Martin, Jeddah is a chance to show progress despite a tough 2025. Alonso, fifth in the 2024 race, aims to score points, while Stroll faces pressure to deliver. Sauber’s Bortoleto, after a tough Bahrain, will battle to adapt to Jeddah’s demands, seeking his first F1 points.

Aston Martin’s new chapter

The PIF’s potential acquisition of Aston Martin signals a long-term vision. The team’s Silverstone base, already cutting-edge, could grow with Saudi funds. Adrian Newey’s 2026 arrival, paired with Honda’s engines, creates a potent combination. Verstappen’s familiarity with Honda, which powered his titles, adds to the project’s appeal.

Lawrence Stroll’s sale, after reviving the team in 2018, reflects confidence in its trajectory. As a minority shareholder, he would retain influence while the PIF drives growth. Balancing existing sponsors like Aramco with new investments will be key to the team’s success.

F1’s global surge

Formula 1 is thriving, with races in new markets and record viewership. Saudi Arabia’s role, from hosting Jeddah to backing teams, underscores the sport’s globalization. The PIF’s investment could push F1’s financial boundaries further, with driver salaries and team budgets soaring.

The 2025 season, with its fierce competition and historic off-track drama, is a turning point. Verstappen, at the heart of it all, holds the key to F1’s next chapter, whether he stays with RBR or joins Aston Martin’s bold new era. Jeddah will set the tone for what’s to come.