Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has been a topic of speculation, with recent reports suggesting Aston Martin is prepared to offer him a staggering $1 billion deal to lure him away.
While the team has denied these claims, F1 analyst Peter Windsor believes that money alone will not be enough to persuade the Dutchman—but Adrian Newey’s influence might.
Newey, the legendary designer responsible for Verstappen’s dominant success at Red Bull, recently made a high-profile switch to Aston Martin, where he will oversee the team’s technical direction ahead of the new 2026 regulations.
With his presence at the Silverstone-based outfit, Windsor believes Verstappen could be convinced to follow if Newey commits to a long-term project.
“I’d like to think Max is mature enough now and he’s got enough money to say it’s not about money, it’s about enjoying my life and getting on with my racing,” Windsor said. “That’s when I drive at my best, and I’m not driving just for the money.”

Verstappen, who is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, has been linked to potential moves to both Aston Martin and Mercedes. However, Windsor envisions a scenario where Newey’s influence, rather than financial incentives, could be the decisive factor in Verstappen’s decision-making.
“If Adrian Newey was saying to Max, ‘Look, Max, I love it here, I’m going to be in it for the next 10 years, I can tell you now, we’re going to win a lot of races. If you want to join, we’re going to win a lot of races, a lot of championships, let’s go,’ if I was Max, I’d probably do it,” Windsor added.
The technical mastermind behind Verstappen’s four consecutive titles at Red Bull, Newey has been instrumental in shaping the team’s dominant cars. His move to Aston Martin signals the team’s ambition to challenge for championships, particularly with the major regulatory shift in 2026. If he can convince Verstappen of a winning future at Aston Martin, Windsor believes that could be more persuasive than any financial offer.
However, Windsor remains skeptical about Aston Martin’s ability to retain Newey for the long haul, given his age and potential future plans. “There’s no guarantee Adrian’s going to be there for the next decade, he’s not getting any younger,” he noted.
While Windsor downplays the financial aspect of a potential move, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner takes a different view, arguing that Verstappen should accept the unprecedented offer.
“A billion is a big number. Even if Max finishes last, he should go for a billion,” Steiner said.
Verstappen’s future remains uncertain, but as Aston Martin builds a stronger foundation with Newey at the helm, the possibility of a dramatic switch cannot be ruled out. Whether Verstappen prioritizes loyalty to Red Bull, faith in Newey, or an unparalleled financial package, the F1 world will be watching closely.