Verstappen and Marko dismiss $1 billion Aston Martin speculation.

      Max Verstappen and Dr. Helmut Marko have dismissed rumors suggesting the four-time world champion will depart Red Bull after this season. A recent article from a British newspaper claimed that Aston Martin is willing to offer Verstappen, 27, a multi-year deal potentially worth $1 billion. "That's a lot of money," Verstappen chuckled. "It was actually the first time I encountered something like that."

      Interestingly, he did not deny having discussions with Aston Martin on Tuesday, where Adrian Newey is set to begin work in early March. "The only contact I’ve had with them was regarding the GT3 for this year," Verstappen stated. "That’s all, and I don’t have anything else to add. I’m not going to drive it, but I’m establishing my own team this year, so there are some things that need attention, but there isn't much else happening."

      Red Bull advisor and long-time mentor Marko was also questioned about the rumors by Osterreich newspaper, which prompted the interviewer to ask if Verstappen is anxious about Red Bull’s new power unit project for 2026. "There are performance clauses," said the 81-year-old Austrian, referencing Verstappen’s contract. "But let’s assume we are not really at a disadvantage with the engine. A gap of one or two tenths is manageable for Max."

      When asked if he would hypothetically move with Verstappen to Aston Martin, Marko replied, "That is all speculation. We aim for the fifth world championship title in a row, something we didn’t achieve with (Sebastian) Vettel. That is our complete focus," he confirmed.

      Meanwhile, after Christian Horner faced boos from the crowd at London’s O2 arena on Tuesday, Marko was questioned whether the controversies surrounding Red Bull’s team principal have been resolved. "Let’s leave it alone and focus on the fifth title," was Marko’s response.