Aston Martin describes the prospect of signing Verstappen as 'exciting'.

      As speculation regarding Max Verstappen's future intensifies, Aston Martin is not dismissing the idea that signing the Red Bull driver would be "exciting." During the Saudi Arabian GP weekend, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the Lawrence Stroll-owned team is proposing a remarkable $300 million contract for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons, backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF. This potential agreement has become a focal point in the Jeddah paddock.

      Aston Martin has responded cautiously to inquiries, with team principal Andy Cowell stating that the Silverstone-based team is "incredibly fortunate" to have two accomplished drivers signed for the next two years. When questioned about the possibility of Verstappen joining the team, he remarked, "I’m focused on improving the company to create a fast race car for Lance (Stroll) and Fernando (Alonso)."

      However, during a subsequent interview with Sky Italia, Cowell conceded, "It would be exciting to work with Max." A team spokesperson also told Osterreich newspaper: "It's typical for the media to speculate on the driver market. Our priority is to provide Lance and Fernando with a more consistent and competitive car so they can achieve great results."

      Verstappen is also being connected to Mercedes and even Alpine, while the four-time world champion laughed at an Italian journalist's question about a potential move to Ferrari. His friend and title rival Lando Norris suggested that a sabbatical shouldn't be ruled out, saying, "You never know. Max has often mentioned wanting to race in other categories and enjoy life."

      George Russell, who is out of contract at Mercedes, acknowledged in Jeddah that it would be "completely understandable" for the team to pursue Verstappen, considering he is "the best driver." However, James Vowles, the Williams boss and a former associate of Toto Wolff, pointed out that signing Verstappen "comes with a lot of downsides." He remarked, "Mercedes already has a great culture with two drivers performing at peak levels, and one on the rise, so I personally don't see that as the right fit for him."

      On the other hand, Red Bull executives Christian Horner and Dr. Helmut Marko are downplaying the "noise" surrounding Verstappen, with Horner stating that it all comes from "outside the team." He emphasized, "Inside the team, Max assured everyone here on Thursday of his commitment. Everything else is just speculation."

      On the track, Red Bull still seems to lag behind the McLarens, particularly regarding long-run pace, although Marko described it as "the best Friday in a long time." Dutch commentator Olav Mol shared with Ziggo Sport his observation that the team was already utilizing more engine power, which is atypical for them. "But did you see the long runs?" he exclaimed. "Oscar Piastri was seven to eight tenths faster than everyone else."